LEAD the Way to Churchill Downs

My favorite Freshmen LEAD trip is when we went to Churchill Downs for a service trip.

We took a bus trip to Churchill Downs and worked with children from disenfranchised communities, mostly immigrant children, for service for the day. I loved it because there aren’t many times when all of the LEAD gets together - people have to miss meetings or events sometimes - so, it was nice to see everyone together.
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There was a lot of bonding that happened that day too. It was early in the year, so everyone was still getting to know each other. For example, one of the kids schooled a LEADer in Jenga. For some reason, we all bonded over that. We made pancakes together, and I had time to talk to LEADers who I had never really connected with before.

I got to see some of the LEADers shine in ways I knew they were capable of. I saw it on their application, but it was totally different to see it  in action. We were in awe. There was a piano there, and some of them were so talented as they were playing on it and singing to the kids. I got to watch one speak fluent Spanish to one of the children.
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Overall, it was a great way to actually serve and see the community. Even on the bus ride there, I think some of the LEADers eyes were opened as to the need for service all around us. That’s what made it my favorite.

​-Adney Rakotoniaina
Freshman LEAD Service Director (17-18)
​adney.rakotoniaina@uoflelsb.org