Christopher Lipari Pazienza ’21, M.A. ’22

Volunteering has always been something I was interested in, but I never fully understood its profound impact until my first MLK Day of Service as a college freshman. It was an experience that not only shaped my perception of community service but also set the stage for my ongoing work with the Stockton Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (SCCESL) and involvement in a variety of nonprofit organizations like the Torch Leadership Academy, the Impact National Conference and Engage NJ.

My journey into community service began long before that first MLK Day event. As a teenager, I often spent time with my grandmother, who was a constant source of inspiration for me. She was deeply involved in our local community, particularly at the local recreation center, where she helped organize events and activities for children and seniors. One day, she asked me to volunteer and help out at one of the recreation center’s events, and that request set me on the path of community service.

I was hesitant at first — after all, I was just a teenager and had never really thought about volunteering seriously. But seeing how much my grandmother enjoyed giving back and witnessing the joy and appreciation from the people she helped made me realize how rewarding it could be to be involved in my community. From that moment, I started helping at various events, from assisting at local Special Olympics events to supporting Bingo nights at senior living homes.

By the time I entered college, I was already familiar with the concept of service, but I was eager to expand my efforts and find new ways to make a difference. This desire led me to participate in my first MLK Day of Service during my freshman year. I signed up through an email from SCCESL and this was my first real experience with service outside my hometown. The day was spent volunteering at the Atlantic County Animal Shelter, where I helped care for animals and assist with the pet adoption process by socializing with the cats and dogs. 

The most memorable part of that first MLK Day was the immediate sense of purpose I felt. I had always cared about animals, but this experience showed me how much work goes into their care and the importance of having a safe space for animals in need.

What really stuck with me, though, was the interaction I had with one of the shelter staff members, who explained how the Atlantic County Animal Shelter relied on volunteers to continue its mission. I realized that community service wasn’t just about doing a good deed — it was about sustaining a community of people, animals and organizations that relied on one another to thrive. It was that realization that motivated me to stay engaged in service and deepen my connection with SCCESL.

Joining Stockton’s Center for Community Engagement

Through SCCESL, I discovered even more opportunities to serve. The center introduced me to projects that aligned with my interests and passions, such as mentoring at-risk youth and supporting local nonprofits. I quickly became involved in a variety of service initiatives, which made me feel like I was truly part of something larger than myself. Working with SCCESL helped me realize that service isn’t just about helping others for a day — it’s about building relationships that can have a lasting impact on the community.

One of the most impactful organizations I’ve worked with through SCCESL is the Torch Leadership Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering students from underserved communities. My involvement with Torch actually began through a coworker I met while working at SCCESL. She had been involved with the organization for several years and spoke passionately about the work they were doing to mentor high school students. Her stories about how Torch was helping to shape the lives of young people inspired me to get involved. After attending a training session with her, I knew this was an organization I wanted to work with.

Through Torch, I began mentoring high school students, offering guidance on academics and personal development. The experience was incredibly fulfilling, as I saw firsthand how mentorship could provide students with the confidence and resources they needed to break barriers and succeed. It reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship to help create pathways for future success.

My journey from helping my grandmother at the local recreation center to my first MLK Day of Service, my time working with SCCESL, and my current work with nonprofits has taught me that service isn’t a destination — it’s a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

In addition to my work with Torch, I had the privilege of working as the AmeriCorps VISTA for SCCESL, where I was given the opportunity to plan and coordinate the 2023 MLK Day of Service. This was a pivotal moment for me, as it allowed me to combine my passion for service with my leadership skills. I worked alongside staff and volunteers to organize service projects, manage logistics, and recruit volunteers to participate. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and it gave me a new perspective on what goes into organizing large-scale service events. Seeing hundreds of students, faculty, and community members come together to serve in honor of Dr. King’s legacy was a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and community engagement.

I continued to expand my volunteer efforts by applying to be a part of the Impact National Conference planning team, where young leaders from across the country came together to learn about social justice, community engagement, and leadership development. The conference was eye-opening, offering me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and discuss how service can intersect with larger systemic issues. It also deepened my understanding of how community service can be part of a broader strategy to create lasting change on a national scale.

Most recently, my work with Engage NJ has allowed me to focus on education reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice within my home state and bring together students from across New Jersey to discuss these topics. Engage NJ has allowed me to continue the work that began with my grandmother and has since grown into a larger commitment to serving others.

The Significance of Community Service

So why is community service important, and how does it enhance one’s collegiate experience?

For me, community service has been a way to ground myself, especially in the chaos that often comes with college life. College is a time of immense personal and academic growth, and for many students, it can be overwhelming. Service provides an escape from the pressures of exams and grades. It offers a way to refocus on something greater than oneself and connects you to the world beyond campus walls. Volunteering has allowed me to take a step back and recognize the struggles and triumphs of others, offering a much-needed perspective that I couldn’t get from textbooks or lectures.

Moreover, community service cultivates a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and personal growth that is crucial in today’s world. It builds leadership skills, teaches problem-solving, and strengthens communication. Working with organizations like SCCESL, Torch Leadership Academy, Impact National Conference, and Engage NJ have taught me that service isn’t just about giving — it’s about building relationships, learning from others, and understanding that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to positive change.

Through my college years, I have witnessed how service can bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose. It enhances the collegiate experience by offering opportunities to step outside one’s bubble, interact with different communities, and make lasting connections. For me, community service has become an integral part of my identity as a professional, leader and individual. It’s not just an extracurricular activity but a core value that will continue to guide me throughout my life.

In the end, community service is a powerful tool for both personal development and societal change. It’s about learning from others, contributing to something greater than oneself, and leaving a positive impact on the world around you. My journey from helping my grandmother at the local recreation center to my first MLK Day of Service, my time working with SCCESL, and my current work with nonprofits has taught me that service isn’t a destination — it’s a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. And, as I continue to grow, I know that my dedication to service will remain at the heart of my collegiate experience and beyond.

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