GSMST's Inaugural Service
Learning Cohort Fur Kids
INTRODUCING: HANNAH JEEVANAYAGAM Furkids, headquartered in Atlanta,
GA, is a nonprofit charitable
organization that operates the
largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in
the Southeast for rescued cats and
Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for
dogs.
“My #1 takeaway is the
importance of recognizing
and educating myself on
the needs that are out
there in the community.”
As a member of GSMST’s Inaugural Service-Learning
cohort, Junior Hannah Jeevanayagam took a different
approach to the Junior Fellowship Experience; rather
than applying her talents in the lab, conducting
research, or shadowing a professional -all good things,
Jeevanayagam decided on sharing her love in the
community.
Her passion for service has been a hallmark of her
personality since she was very young. “I saw the
significance of my actions in volunteering and service
projects in other people’s lives, and knowing that has
driven my passion for service.”
Some may think service doesn’t meet the
requirements of a JFE, but Jeevanayagam and her
peers have already proven them wrong: “Service-
Learning allows students to enhance skills that they
can utilize in any career field, such as: communication,
organization, leadership, critical thinking, problem
solving, and collaboration,” Jeevanayagam said.
“Students find their purpose in serving the community,
something a corporate internship does not necessarily
allow.”
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The cohort’s most recent project, a school-wide movie
night supporting Furkids, has given Jeevanayagam
insight into a future in the business entrepreneurship
or management field: “I enjoyed doing tasks such as
helping organize the concessions table and
brainstorming ideas. For my SCE, I would like to run my
own project in which I raise money for a non-profit
organization and find a way to communicate
information about the need to the world.”
ABOUT FUR KIDS
MISSION
The Furkids mission is to rescue
homeless animals, provide them
with the best medical care and
nurturing environment while
working to find them a forever
home. Furkids heals the whole
animal, physically and emotionally,
restoring its health and its spirit.