Megan Campesi, an undeclared junior, never thought that her Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT) would reach over 100 hours, but after her first experience with Habitat for Humanity, she discovered a new passion: community service.

“We didn’t have service hours in high school,” explained Campesi. “So when I came here, it was a win-win.”

Even though Campesi is undeclared as of now, she is leaning towards a field of environmental science, which fuels the need to engage in activities that keep the planet clean. Programs such as Adopt-A-Park have given her the opportunity to help in the conservation of nature and its beauty, but she has also participated in other volunteer events. This semester alone, she has donated her time to the food bank, various open houses and Adopt-A-Park. With all of this under her belt, she claimed she is determined to do more.

Frequent acts of service of Campesi are working with the Food Bank of New Jersey and assisting at Atria Senior Living. These two hit home because of her family’s history of food insecurity and her close relationship with her own grandparent. Thankful for her time spent with both organizations, she plans to continue to volunteer with them after graduation. Some of her fondest memories have happened because of community service, such as signing with Deaf family memebers of a resident at Atria, where crafting with the elderly has become one of her favorite activities.

“I get to see the smiles on their faces and it just makes me so happy,” said Campesi.

September 2013 was her first service trip with Habitat for Humanity, which she found via Cougar Link and decided it would be a golden opportunity to get involved. For others, she recommends visiting the Center for Leadership and Service or The Involvement Center in order for others to find their niche. Along with her many hours of service, she juggled a multitude of different clubs such as Anime, Chemistry, Earth Science and Equality for All.

For the future, Campesi plans to continue volunteering and hopes to see some new activities and trips to take with Kean University, such an involvement with local animal shelters or services.

“We’re building houses, I think we can handle walking a puppy,” laughs Campesi.

She takes pride in her CCT and is determined to keep it at or above 20 – 25 service hours a semester. The CCT is a record of a student’s involvement in education experiences taking place outside the classroom. A student’s CCT can be certified with the university seal and offered as a supplement to an academic transcript and resume.

“Helping other people while having fun and being environmentally friendly makes me feel good,” said Campesi.