“The extracurricular opportunities on campus, like Shepard Symposium, are just as valuable, if not more valuable, than the academic commitment at UW,” Riley Skorcz, a UW student who values extracurricular participation, said.
Skorcz is one of many students on the UW campus who values her college experience for more than just in-classroom academia. Skorcz takes an active role in her campus community by volunteering for organizations, like the Shepard Symposium, which held its Spring 2023 session this past week.
Referring to her experience with the Shepard Symposium, Skorcz said, “it’s taking the stuff that I’m learning in my classes, and seeing it in the real world, or making connections to really show like, why it all matters, why I’m in school. It’s to contribute to our community. It’s to make the world better. And this is just a great example of that.”
Now in her fourth year of college, Skorcz began working with the Shepard Symposium in 2019, and through the years has held different levels of responsibility in the program.
“Through my work with Queer Community Coalition my freshman year, I very quickly became connected with students, staff, and faculty that were involved in making the Symposium happen,” Skorz said.
“I took on a more official leadership role last year by co-chairing the GSA Day Committee with Koraline [Wolfgang], which included planning the programming that is directed towards Wyoming High School students.”
In addition to the skills, knowledge, and abilities she’s learning in her classes, Skorcz believes her work with student organizations has played a vital role in her growth at UW.
“I have learned so much from working with the other volunteers throughout my time here at UW. I learned event planning skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to effectively work in a team, and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes,” Skorcz said.
“These are skills that have benefited me in a variety of other contexts, both in and out of the classroom. I don’t think that I would be the leader that I am today without the lessons I learned through helping with [the Shepard Symposium].”
Skorcz encourages others to step out of their regular schedule and volunteer to help with organizations and events in the community.
“I think that volunteering is one of the most beneficial experiences that students can take part in on campus. Not only does it provide ample opportunity to make friends, but it also provides real-world experiences where you are truly making a difference in the community,” Skorcz said.
“Even if you are incredibly busy, I still think it’s worth taking time out to help out as much as you’re able because the experience is so rewarding and fulfilling.”
According to Skorcz, when students volunteer, they have the ability and opportunity to help far more than just themselves.
“I deeply appreciated how committed [the Shepard Symposium was] to making the programming as accessible as possible as well as ensuring that a multitude of diverse voices were heard.”
“If students are willing to go the extra mile by helping with these types of groups, then I think the students aren’t the only ones to reap the rewards.”
