I ain't reading all that: I'm an active volunteer at UTSA. I help out with different service projects around San Antonio. It keeps me connected to the community outside of just doing homework. It’s service with a purpose.
The Transition to University Service
When I arrived at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I knew I wanted to continue the service journey I started in high school. I joined VOICES (Volunteer Organization Involving Community, Education, and Service), which is one of the most active student organizations on campus. Transitioning from being the 'Founder' of a small club to a 'Member' of a massive university organization gave me a new perspective on leadership: sometimes the best way to lead is by being a highly reliable and enthusiastic contributor to a larger machine.
San Antonio as a Classroom
VOICES has allowed me to see San Antonio through a lens that many students miss. We don't just stay on the 'UTSA Bubble'; we go where the need is. Whether it’s sorting thousands of pounds of produce at the San Antonio Food Bank or helping with urban reforestation projects, these experiences have been a vital counterweight to my academic life. While my physics courses deal with the abstract laws of the universe, VOICES deals with the immediate, tangible needs of my neighbors.
The Logistics of Impact
Participating in such a wide variety of service projects has taught me about Social Logistics. Seeing how an organization like the Food Bank manages thousands of volunteers and millions of pounds of inventory is a masterclass in efficiency. I’ve started to see parallels between the entropy I study in physics and the 'social entropy' that occurs in a city. Service is the energy we put into the system to keep it organized and healthy. I’ve become particularly interested in how data and efficiency can improve the way we distribute resources to those in need.
Building Community in the Crowds
One of the highlights of my time with VOICES was being recognized with the Most Spirited Award. To me, this wasn't just about being 'loud', it was about maintaining morale during a six-hour shift in the Texas heat. Leadership is often about managing the energy of the group. If the leader or a senior member is tired and complaining, the whole team slows down. If you maintain enthusiasm, the work feels lighter for everyone. It’s a lesson I apply to my lab groups at UTSA: a positive culture is a functional advantage.
Future Outlook: The Citizen Scientist
Being an active member of VOICES ensures that I don't become an 'ivory tower' scientist. I want my future career in research to be informed by the real-world challenges I see in San Antonio. Whether I’m developing new technologies or teaching physics, I want my work to be accessible and beneficial to the community that supported me during my undergraduate years.