Name: Zoe Oppenheimer
Award won: Bronze
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Primary Service Sites:
-Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
-Dganya, Elementary School in Be'er Sheva, Israel
-Waltham Group Junior Brandeis Achievers
The experience of being a Girl Scout troop leader has enabled me to grow in so many ways. I am a better
teacher and leader because of the girls in my troop and my co-leaders that I collaborate with. I will continue
on this path to mentor children and help prepare them to be community-minded, tolerant and driven members
of society in the years to come. Participating in the Commitment to Service Award Program was a great way
for me to keep track of the community service that I have completed at Brandeis. Tracking my hours has
reminded me time and time again how important it is to me to always be serving my community and keep in
mind that I want it to remain a priority following graduation.
Name: Ilana Mittleman
Award won: Bronze
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Primary Service Sites:
-Waltham Group General Tutoring
-Waltham Group Companions 2 Elders, Springwell,
-EPOCH of Weston
During my time at Brandeis I was involved in several community service projects. I like taking a break from my
own life and taking the time to help others and becoming absorbed in their lives. In particular, when I was most
busy or overwhelmed with schoolwork, giving back was humbling. I realized that there are others who could
greatly benefit from my service to them. For instance, through Companions 2 Elders I visited a woman at a
nursing home once a week. We both looked forward to spending time together. I liked knowing that I had
helped out in some way and brightened someone’s day. My volunteer work with older adults helped me decide
that this is a population that I want to work with in the future. Commitment to Service is a great program! It's
an easy way to keep your volunteering projects and hours organized. At the end of your time at Brandeis you
can see how many hours you have spent doing community service and how you made a difference. Plus you get
a medal! Name:
Roni Rosen
Award won: Gold
Hometown: Tenafly, NJ
Primary Service Sites:
- Brandeis Global Medical Brigade
Brigades shaped me as a person, student, and volunteer. Considering the rigorous coursework allotted by the
science departments at Brandeis, it is all too often that we immerse ourselves so deep into our studies that we
lose track of the larger purpose at hand. Many times before brigades I asked myself, why am I doing this? Why
put myself through such a heavy and rigorous course-load? Do I really want to be a doctor if this is what it
entails? However, after participating in two brigades, I gained a sense of empowerment, remembered why I
wanted to be a doctor, and regained my passion for science; all of which influenced my academic career for the
better. Tracking hours is an excellent way to validate your time spent volunteering to future employers or
graduate schools. In addition, the awards ceremony is a pleasant reward that reminds you of the importance of
giving back to the community, as it is an opportunity to surround yourself with people, friends, who share the
same passion for community as you do.
2014 Commitment to Service Award
Winner Testimonies