Students from instructor Lauryn Migenes’ College of Business LEAD Scholars classes had a real opportunity to practice social change with the residents of Boys Town, a shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children in Oviedo. As part of a class project, students organized and participated in contributing a Thanksgiving meal to feed close to 100 people at Boys Town on November 10.
“By sharing a meal with the residents of Boys Town, the students became mentors and role models practicing servant leadership to members of the Boys Town community, many of whom had never had a Thanksgiving meal before,” commented Migenes who is also Boys Town Board of Trustee member. Both the Boys Town residents and the LEAD Scholars students were able to benefit from this event.
“Boys Town was my favorite service project by far,” said student Amanda Gonzalez. “It was so fun getting to spend time bonding with my classmates as we tried to conquer the kitchen together. It was such a blessing to be able to make food for those kids and to play games with them. They were so polite and grateful. I want to go back.”
Malik Moss also enjoyed the activity stating, “My favorite part about Boys Town was getting to know all of the kids. It felt good connecting with them and it was a privilege having dinner with them. I have always believed sharing food with someone is the biggest form of communion, so I greatly appreciate that experience.”
The LEAD Scholars Program is in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.