Growing up in Carmel, Ind., Morgan Jenkins learned the importance of community service from her family. Now a senior in Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Jenkins has carried these lessons with her throughout her college career, and she’ll take them into her career with Ernst & Young upon graduation.
She served as the president of Kelley Institute for Social Impact’s Alternative Break Program for the 2018-19 school year. Alternative Break Program coordinates trips during academic breaks for students to learn and lead through service, both, domestically and internationally.
“Service or social impact is about being mindful and supportive of all communities—not just your home community,” Jenkins said. “In today’s globally connected world, our actions have a much wider impact than we expect.”
Jenkins traveled with Alternative Break Program on numerous occasions. Her favorite alternative break was the first time she got to lead a trip during her sophomore year. “I worked with a truly incredible, passionate group of students in Clearwater, Florida, and we volunteered with Junior Achievement, which is near and dear to my heart.”
Junior Achievement is a national nonprofit organization that supports K-12 students to set goals and develop financial literacy skills. Jenkins explained how she grew immensely, along with her team. “I loved watching the transformation that the students experienced as we served and learned all week,” she said, adding that the experience sparked a passion in many of her peers who have continued to volunteer for Junior Achievement.
When she lands in San Francisco, California in fall of 2019, to being her career with Ernst & Young, Jenkins will continue her volunteer work through the company’s sponsorship of Junior Achievement to help make a positive impact and engage within her new community.
Jenkins believes that when an individual’s values align with those of an organization, the possibilities are endless. “I’ve stuck with Alternative Break Program over the last four years because not only has it given me incredible opportunities to serve communities around the globe, but it has also inspired me to be an advocate for these communities long after my service trip is over,” Jenkins said.
There are many ways to become involved with service on campus, especially through platforms like IU Bloomington’s IU Corps. “At IU, there are volunteer opportunities everywhere. Keeping an open mind as you serve will help you challenge yourself, learn, and build relationships with the people around you,” Jenkins said. Check out Volunteer Central to find more ways to engage with the IU community and beyond.
Jenkins believes that when an individual’s values align with those of an organization, the possibilities are endless. “I’ve stuck with Alternative Break Program over the last four years because not only has it given me incredible opportunities to serve communities around the globe, but it has also inspired me to be an advocate for these communities long after my service trip is over,” Jenkins said.
There are many ways to become involved with service on campus, especially through platforms like IU Bloomington’s IU Corps. “At IU, there are volunteer opportunities everywhere. Keeping an open mind as you serve will help you challenge yourself, learn, and build relationships with the people around you,” Jenkins said. Check out Volunteer Central to find more ways to engage with the IU community and beyond.