Name: Alisha Nesslage
Year: Third
Majors: Philosophy and Political Science
Hometown: Denair
What is a memorable project that you worked on during your time at UC Merced?
The most memorable project I have undertaken is my employment as a Food Rescue intern for the Bobcat Eats Food Awareness and Prevention Program. I work as a community partner who delivers free groceries to 10 households in need weekly. Utilizing a contactless food delivery model, I do not engage with recipients directly, but this hasn't stopped them from expressing their gratitude as I depart after the delivery has been made. Joy overwhelms me when I hear children alert their guardians that food was miraculously delivered to their doorstep.
What did you learn personally and academically by participating in this?
Employment and volunteer opportunities don't have to be mundane, and it turns out there are heroic deeds that anyone can do. UC Merced has a lot of opportunities for experiential learning.
What would you say to a future student who wants to be involved?
I encourage future students to pursue volunteer work and employment opportunities that resonate with their passions. Involvement can be as little or as momentous as desired, but every deed makes a difference.
