Name: Brianna Rodrigues
Year: Senior
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Martinez, California
So you organized and volunteer downtown and distribute flu shots, how did you get involved?
I talked to the directors and various staff members at different organizations, like St. André Bessette and Rose Haven, and my friend got the flu shots to be donated by the state.
Besides distributing flu shots to people, what else do you do at the clinics?
You try to get as much education in because it may be the only few minutes you have. We also advocate about flu shots because there are misconceptions like the shot causes autism.
What has been the most difficult part of volunteering at the clinics?
You have to go in with a non-judgmental attitude, because that can be difficult when you’re trying to help someone and they’re high on drugs and not as considerate. But you never know why they do drugs or drink; they could have come from a bad situation or be having a bad day.
Are you involved in any other volunteer work?
Yes, I am involved in a non-profit on campus called Global Aid. We fundraise, advertise, and organize with Bon Appetit to have an auction dinner. Student meal points fund the food for the auction.
How successful has Global Aid been so far?
We have currently funded five programs in Cambodia. 50 percent of kids don’t go past middle school. We have funded education with a scholarship program and a teachers salary program which funds one teacher’s education to teach more people.
Volunteering and fundraising, is there anything else you do?
I’m trying to work with the Commons and the Cove to get their leftovers to go to local shelters. I see a lot of food that is thrown away so if they could donate the food they would really be helping people out.