Margaret Annunziata believes very passionately that by giving her time and expertise, she can make a difference. So this will help advance social justice initiative by initiative. The Chicago Campus student volunteers as a tutor low-income students. So, she works to improve opportunities in the Chicago Park District. She works for people with disabilities and volunteers at a community shelter.
“I believe that change begins at the community level through individual efforts,” Margaret explained. “So, my belief drives my passion. I want to addressing many issues in our social system. Therefore, I want to help build communities where all people can reach their full potential.”
So, for anyone who knows her, it comes as no surprise that Margaret was named a Newman Civic Fellow. This fellowship recognizes students from across the country for their contribution to community and civic development.
Why Margaret?
“We nominated Margaret to the fellowship because of her commitment to service. She has been extremely consistent. She has been associated with Oakley Square since January 2020,” said Jill Glenn, executive director, Community Partnerships.
A second-year student in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Margaret volunteers with children who live in Oakley Square Apartments. Oakley Square is a low-income housing complex on Chicago’s West Side. She works as a volunteer. So, she provides the children social and emotional support as well as homework help.
“I was so honored to have Jill Glenn nominate me for this award,” said Margaret. “It’s a great feeling when someone you hold in such high regard recognizes your work.” “Margaret has done extremely well with the transition to the virtual tutoring program,” Jill tacks on. In commenting on Margaret’s hard work during the pandemic. “Her students have shown a lot of progress. We strongly felt that the Newman fellowship will help her to do more.”
About the fellowship
Named for its founder Frank Newman, an advocate for civic engagement in higher education, the one-year fellowship provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions. Virtual learning and networking opportunities will aid Margaret and her 2021 cohort in becoming part of a national network of engaged student leaders while they develop strategies for social change.
Future plans
Margaret will continue to volunteer at Oakley Square even after she begins her new internship at AMITA Health St. Mary’s. She brims with excitement when talking about what’s to come with Newman. “I will be matched with a mentor through the Newman Civic Fellowship. It will mean attending a conference in November to meet fellow candidates and discuss social justice issues. I look forward to getting involved!”
“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders. So, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn.