The Campus Kitchen at Augsburg director nominated Jeanette Clark for a Sodexo scholarship  in recognition of her work with the kitchen. The kitchen received funding, and Clark earned a scholarship toward her education. Beyond the scholarship, Clark found the Campus Kitchen provided her with skills she could use for the rest of her life. This is her story:

The Campus Kitchens Project came to my campus during my first year of college.  I knew very little about the program, but it sounded interesting – so I got involved.

I found myself in the middle of a fledgling organization, learning all about organizational development, promoting a new program, fostering connections between community organizations, and utilizing the skills of community members and students.
While working with CKP, I also served in different capacities and on different shifts.  During those shifts, I heard the stories of our community.  I heard from children of different cultures who had dreams, hopes and excitement about the future.   I heard from homeless and precariously housed individuals. And I learned about the many injustices and sufferings they boldly face each day.
During my time with Campus Kitchens, I became friends with many of the fellow shift leaders.  I learned about how to more effectively lead groups and make people feel involved in a process.  We engaged in educational activities, leading “Hunger 101” where we simulated the processes/experiences of those experiencing hunger and navigating the social service system. I became more informed about the systems around me and the hardships experienced by those trying to navigate such realities.

Simply, these are a few of the many life-altering experiences I had during college with the Campus Kitchens Project. I can’t think of one particular moment, but the Campus Kitchen’s emphasis on eating with people instead of simply serving them helped me to consider how I could do likewise in my own efforts.  I also learned a great deal about the importance of including a variety of talents within a group.

After college I worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for an organization that provides services with the Latino Community of the Twin Cities.  I utilized many of the relationship building, organizing and planning skills I obtained in my time with the Campus Kitchens Project.  Currently, I am a seminary student preparing to be a pastor.

I am so grateful for the opportunities I had to learn about leadership, empowering others, the importance of community and the value of “seeing” and working to “hear” all those who reside in our neighborhoods- students, immigrants, the homeless, the wealthy, the elderly, children … everyone.

Interested in finding out more about receiving $5000 for a Sodexo scholarship, and $5000 for your own Campus Kitchen? Read more here.

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