Ella Schlaeger

Volunteering at the Mason High School Homecoming was a deeply meaningful experience that showed me the power of joy, presence, and human connection. Homecoming is a dance that 9th-12th graders get to go to and this year I was grateful to be a chaperone to students in their Special Education program. Being their buddy and being able to cheer them on, dance alongside them, and share genuine moments of laughter and excitement allowed me to witness how important it is to simply show up with enthusiasm and compassion. The smiles, energy, and pride they carried throughout the night reflected how impactful it is to be surrounded by encouragement and unconditional support. That experience reinforced my passion for working with kids with disabilities and it reminded me that creating moments of happiness can be just as meaningful as being in the classroom. This is something I would love to continue doing in the future.

Participating and leading the Rally Cap Bowling session was such a rewarding and uplifting experience. Rally Cap is all about inclusion, teamwork, and creating a fun, supportive environment for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the game of bowling. It’s not just about the scores—it’s about the smiles, the encouragement, and the relationships built along the way.

From the start, the atmosphere was full of energy and positivity. Whether it was helping someone line up their shot, cheering them on after a roll, or celebrating small victories together, every moment felt meaningful. I loved being part of something that brought people together and made everyone feel like a winner.

The experience taught me a lot about patience, encouragement, and the importance of adapting to meet others where they are. I learned that sometimes the smallest gestures—a high five, a kind word, or a shared laugh—can have the biggest impact. It was inspiring to see how much joy and confidence bowling brought to the participants, and it reminded me of the power of community and inclusion.

Personally, Rally Cap Bowling helped me grow in empathy and understanding. It reminded me not to take every day experiences for granted and to always look for ways to help others feel seen and supported. Being part of this program made a lasting impression on me, and it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me.

Volunteering for Rally Cap Basketball was an amazing experience that had a big impact on me. Helping out people with disabilities showed me how sports can build confidence and teamwork. Seeing how happy and thankful the players and their families were made me realize how important it is to include everyone and support each other. This experience is helping me become a better leader and communicator and taught me how much it means to give back to the community and make sure everyone feels welcome and capable. I got to help lead drills and lead scrimmages and red light green light games as well as pig and see our athletes be able to show their skills in a showcase.

Volunteering at Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida was an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. The village is a whimsical resort that provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. Nestled just minutes from the heart of Orlando’s theme parks, it’s a place filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.

From the moment I stepped onto the village grounds, I could feel the magic in the air. Every volunteer, staff member, and guest radiated positivity. I had the opportunity to help with various activities—whether it was doing the kids nails and tattoos in the spa, helping kids ride the carousel, or helping wish kids see or make their star. Each shift felt less like “work” and more like being part of something genuinely meaningful.

What stood out most to me was the joy on the children’s faces. Many of these families have endured so much, and seeing them relax, laugh, and make happy memories was deeply moving. It reminded me of the power of compassion and how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

This experience humbled me and opened my eyes to the resilience of children and the strength of their families. It taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of living in the moment. I walked away with a renewed perspective on life and a stronger desire to give back to my community. The memories I made at Give Kids The World will stay with me forever—and I’m already looking forward to the next time I can volunteer there.

Volunteering at the BGSU Rally Cap Volleyball event was a truly rewarding experience. I helped set up the equipment, make the athlete and volunteer pairings and helped ensure everything ran smoothly. It was amazing to see so many people come together to participate and enjoy the sport they love.

One of the highlights of the day was interacting with the athletes. I had the chance to meet a wide range of athletes who all came together due to a passion for volleyball and volunteers' desires to leave a positive impact. Cheering on the athletes and seeing them showcase their skills and interact with other athletes was truly meaningful to me. These interactions not only made the event enjoyable but also reinforced the importance of community involvement and teamwork.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I gained from volunteering. It wasn't just about giving my time; it was about being part of something bigger than myself. The skills I developed, the connections I made, and the joy of contributing to a successful event are memories I will cherish. This experience has inspired me to seek out more volunteer opportunities and continue making a difference in my community. That I actually am the upcoming director for this organization.

I had so much fun volunteering at the Rally Cap Winter Wonderland Party. At this event, we did color sheets, bingo, just dance, and fun crafts. I was paired one-on-one with one of our younger buddies. We had so much fun celebrating the winter festivities and at the last event of the semester.

On Sunday, October 13th, October 20th and October 27th. I had the chance to join the Olympics event for Rally Cap Sports, an on-campus volunteer group that creates inclusive athletic opportunities for people of all abilities in our community. It was an incredible experience where I was paired one-on-one with an athlete diagnosed with profound hearing loss. Additionally, I grabbed all the equipment we needed for each event.

Throughout the Olympics event, my athlete and I got to participate in a variety of sports ranging from basketball, soccer, football, tennis, kickball, and even cheerleading. My athlete and I worked on drills each week and even came up with our own cheer that we ended up performing in our showcase at the end of the last week. My primary goal was to allow my athlete to be able to interact with other athletes socially. My athlete has been a part of Rally Cap for multiple years now and this is a place we he enjoys coming to and making new friends.

I have worked with this athlete a little in the past but not fully one on one. We shared multiple laughs and fun memories together and this will be something I cherish forever!