Service at the Sudanese Community and Women’s Service Center immersed freshmen in the world of volunteerism before any of them had taken a single class.
Freshmen worked beside refugees as a part of Big Horizons, one of five DoreWays pre-orientation program that sent freshmen to three Nashville sites.
Nashville, home to a surprisingly large Sudanese community, has welcomed nearly 8,000 Sudanese, including many who seek refuge from the war-torn country.
Since the center first opened its doors, various programs have helped facilitate the immigration process for refugees.
“If I help just one person it makes the work worthwhile,” said Gatluak T. Thach, executive director of the center.
The seven Big Horizons participants helped the center with tasks such as researching grants and cleaning rugs at the center.
Freshman Jamie Ziemba said the program enhanced her knowledge of the Sudanese conflict.
“I didn’t know much about the Sudanese conflict, but when Gatluak told us his story I was inspired. I can’t believe he got this far,” Ziemba said.
The Vanderbilt community supports the Sudanese population in donations of time and resources, Thach said.
“We love the Vanderbilt students and community,” said Thach, who emigrated from Sudan in 1996. “The students have been very helpful in the establishment of this center.”
Sophomore Liz Muffly, a student leader, said students gained a lot from the experience.
“Community service helped my transition from high school to college by creating consistency, and I wanted to help the girls find that same connection,” she said.

Spencer Montalvo co-authored this article.