Ryan Murphy

This event was a collaboration between the non-profit Vitalant Blood donation and the University of Memphis NROTC Unit. Over the course of two days, I was able to volunteer eight hours for the Vitalant organization. I had the opportunity to serve multiple roles during my two days spent volunteering. I got to table in the UC atrium, check-in students for blood donations, pick up and serve food to donors, and take pictures to be used on the organization's social media pages.

Great event

During this event, I had the privilege to serve the VE Greenline trail. I was able to assist their organization in cleaning up along the trail. My group broke off into a few different sections to rake up and bag leaves along the sides of the trail by the main station house. We were able to clear sticks, garbage, and other refuse away from the portion of the trails that the community used.

On November 23rd, in support of the MidSouth Food Bank and the national organization Feeding America I helped coordinate and run a canned food drive. Over the course of four hours I helped set up a stand at residence near the University of Memphis. We were able to collect over 100 pounds of food and nearly $100 in donations. I assisted sorting the food, and then delivering the canned food to the food bank. It was amazing to see all that could be accomplished with just an afternoons work, I realized how impactful taking the time to collect others excess can be on those who might have not have those connections. Quite a perspective enhancer.

As a student in physics and calculus tracks I have been utilizing the University of Memphis’ Educational Support Program at least 3-4 hours a week since I became a student. Over the course of time, and after receiving high grades in my classes I was asked to help tutor students in Calculus and Physics I. I have helped my fellow students gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of physical sciences and mathematics as they studied in the University’s ESP spaces. I was not paid for this role, I did it at the request of Dr. Barbra Bekis on my own free time. Over the course of this semester I have accrued over five hours working with students.

Over the course of the semester, I have had the privilege of working with the Lance Corporal Krieger Memorial 5K Run / Walk. This organization organizes a memorial 5K each year in honor of a Memphis Area Marine who died in Afghanistan. The proceeds raised are donated to some of his favorite charities, including in particular Camp Opportunity, a free camp for immigrant children. I served well over 10 hours for this organization as a coordinator for sponsorship and running participation. My role was to actively seek out businesses and organizations to make contributions as sponsors of the race. I spent time every day calling, emailing, and submitting requests online, as well as physically going to locations in and around Memphis. Most of my time was spent on the ground speaking to small business owners about our organization and how Camp Opportunity benefits children in the Memphis area. I also spent time recruiting runners to participate in the race. I spent a great deal of time contacting organizations like High School athletic teams, ROTC units, and Boy Scout units from around the country. I enjoyed volunteering time to this organization in particular because of the individual it memorializes. Lance Corporal Krieger served in the military and gave the ultimate sacrifice, as a prospective military officer I can learn a lot from the way he lived and from the organizations he supported while living in Memphis. In the end, I was also able to run in the race with my sister.

In support of the University of Memphis RSOs Blue and Gold Society and Semper Fi Society, as well as the Memphis Naval Reserve Officer Training Program, I was able to volunteer my time to NROTC by helping keep the the Memphis community safe during gameday.