Nicole Bialick says she loves the sense of community at St. Andrew’s School (SAS) and watching the students grow.
“These kids are incredible. I truly did love them from day one. In my two-and-a-half years, I’ve gotten to know them on an individual level,” she says.
Bialick, a University of Richmond student, is a volunteer at SAS and also a part of the Bonner Scholars program, a scholarship program that recognizes community involvement and is centered around social justice.
When she began volunteering, she rotated in the kitchen with Chef Ronni, as well as in the art room and in Spanish. For the past two years, she’s volunteered solely with Chef Ronni.
“I help out a lot in the kitchen. Everything from [creating] bulletin boards and posters to healthy food-related activities, to preparing snack, serving the students and taste testing – I help wherever I’m needed,” she says. “I love working with Chef Ronni because she has a great sense of humor, and she knows her stuff about food and eating healthy. She works hard to create well-balanced meals for every student. I love working in the kitchen.”
A double major in Chemistry and Physics, Bialick says she’d like to one day become an occupational therapist. Her experience at SAS and working with the children has taught her a lot about what makes learning easier – something that will help her future career.
“This environment facilitates that. The community [here] is one where you can tell the teachers really care about the students, and the students reciprocate that appreciation,” she says. “It feels like a safe place for the kids, and I absolutely love that.”