In 2004, I started volunteering with JA in Mississippi. I loved connecting with students and seeing the immediate impact our programs had. When I moved to Nashville, I knew I wanted to connect with JA of Middle Tennessee and continue volunteering. In 2018, I joined the Board of Directors and currently serve as Co-Chair of the Education Committee. 

Unless you have volunteered with JA, most people do not know that volunteers are an essential part of programming. Volunteers serve as mentors and facilitators and get to work directly with students. My favorite JA program to volunteer with is JA Classroom, where I get to go into a school and take over the class for a few hours. The teachers always appreciate our volunteers investing in their students and bringing all the materials needed.

At first, the kids can be a little hestitant when I start to lead the lesson because it is something new. But once we start the lesson and they realize our curriculum is engaging, things change quickly. More often than not, the students don't want me to leave at the end of the day! Each time I volunteer in the classroom, I walk away energized becuase I witness firsthand how the students are learning and applying the skills I'm teaching.

Junior Achievement needs volunteer just as much as they need funding - and nonprofits always need funding. There are always opportunities to share your talents and time. In fact, last year I volunteered six different times with four schools, totaling over 100 students! I would love for my friends and family to join me in supporting JA. Consider this my open invitiation to come volunteer with me any time! 

If you want to sign up to volunteer, click here to access JA's volunteer interest form. I would also love your consideration for a donation during this campaign.