Meet Cashalynn Bolden, a senior Health Science Major here at CSU. Cashalynn participated in our Office of Civic Engagement Viking Corps program this year at the Broadway Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland, where she logged 181 service hours and engaged with 1,731 community members. Take a look below to learn more about Cashalynn's experience in the program!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Name: Cashalynn Bolden
Major: Health Science
Class Standing: Senior

How long have you worked for the Viking Corps or America Reads program? 
I have worked with Viking Corps since 2018. 

After being part of Viking Corps or America Reads, what do you feel you have you been able to learn about the community or people you serve? 
Working through Viking Corps to help various children in the community is such a blessing. Viking Corps and America Reads allowed me to tutor, mentor and even nurture students from different backgrounds. I enjoyed the diversity and inclusion that Viking Corps offer to their student workers. I count it as a joy to have worked with children in kindergarten through teens in high school. I know that with this program we have made a huge impact on students’ lives.
 
What benefits do you feel you gained from being part of the Viking Corps or America Reads program and/or getting to work with the program's staff? 
I soaked up the experiences that were provided to me. I started as a tutor on the east side of Cleveland and worked up to becoming a Student Lead Assistant at the Broadway Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. I enjoyed taking time with students whether it was teaching them how to read or helping them do math; even coaching volleyball.
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What rewarding or special experiences have you had being a tutor or student worker in a non-tutoring position? 
Viking Corps allow student workers to tap into the community in various ways. I appreciate the responsibilities that were given. The experiences I had with this program has enhanced my outreach in the community, so much so, that children recognize me when I'm out and about. I am grateful to God that Anita and her team challenged me and allowed me the opportunity to grow and learn.

If you are a CSU student and would like to have a meaningful experiential learning experience in Viking Corps or CPL America Reads please contact Anita Ruf-Young at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu for information about these programs. Click here to view more Viking Corps and America Reads students profiles.