Student helps prepare for Community Service Fair

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Mackenzie Thomson

Mackenzie Thomson, a third-year business management student, works as an undergraduate assistant at the Leadership Institute and Community Service Center. The office is currently preparing for this year’s Community Service Fair, which will take place 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Student Alumni Union lobby. Beyond her classes and job, Thomson plays intramural volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Thomson is from Syracuse, N.Y.

Question: What brought you to RIT?
Answer: I came to RIT thinking I wanted to be an engineer and we obviously have a very strong program for that, but I ended up deciding that engineering wasn’t for me. I liked the business aspect more so I switched into the business management program. I think I went into engineering with the wrong mindset—thinking I was going to make a lot of money—and now I am heading in a direction that makes me happier.

Q: What is the Community Service Fair?
A: On Sept. 17, more than 20 organizations will come to the SAU to talk to students. They need volunteers. Some organizations there will also be offering internships. There’s a lot going on in Rochester and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Q: How did you end up with your job at the Leadership Institute and Community Service Center?
A: It’s actually kind of funny. I had no intention of working on campus, but one of my friends let me know about the job opportunity during my freshman year. I guess I didn’t realize how much of an impact it would end up making on me. I got really lucky.

Q: What do you like the most about your job?
A: My favorite part is interacting with students. I think it’s really cool to learn about everyone else and I love figuring out how I can help them.

Q: What is community service like at RIT?
A: Our office does a lot of drives during the year, from blood drives to school supply drives. We also do a card-making event in the SAU for kids in the hospital and soldiers overseas. There are always events going on around campus. We’re also offering Make A Difference Day this year and we’ll be doing a couple different service events for that.

Q: Are there any specific community service opportunities that you would recommend?
A: One of the biggest community service opportunities we have is our alternative spring break trip. We take around 25 students and we go somewhere in the U.S. to help people in need. All you need to pay for is
your plane ticket and we pay for the rest. Last year we went to Atlanta and it was so much fun. We’re still exploring options for this year.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at RIT so far?
A: It has to be the alternative spring break trip and I’m not even saying that because I’m trying to promote it. The people I went with were absolutely amazing and I can’t describe how happy I am that I met them.

For more information about opportunities at the Leadership Institute and Community Service Center, go to the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement website.

Derrick Hunt compiles “Student Spotlights” for University News. Contact him at djh9758@rit.edu with suggestions.