"Panther Experience," where he volunteers with children.

His most recent philanthropic endeavor was a trip to the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast over fall break. As soon as he heard about the Alternative Fall Break trip, he assembled some friends to go with and volunteered. Michael was one of the group leaders in charge of making sure everyone worked well together and stayed motivated. While there, he and his group were assigned a house, which they gutted so that it could be salvaged and fixed. The family who owned the home was eternally happy since they could never have done all the work on their own and could not afford the entire reconstruction price tag.

About Michael Scarpato...
Hometown: Osterville, Massachusetts
Degree: Business Administration
Expected Graduation: May 2006
What are you most proud of contributing to your organization? Being able to make such a huge difference in someone's life is great, even though it might not amount to much nationally or internationally.
Most memorable volunteer experience(s)? Driving through the area of devastation in Mississippi was absolutely astounding. Knowing that you could never fix everything but that you were about to help at least one family immensely was a great feeling. Then as we were working on the house, the owner drove up and she didn't even need to say a thank you because it was so obvious in her face that she couldn't even start to put one in words.
What have you learned about yourself through volunteering? Volunteering just reinforced the idea that when someone realizes you are helping them for no personal gain, they are grateful for whatever little help you can offer. Therefore, even if you can't offer much help, anything is useful and much appreciated.
How do you think your friends or co-workers would describe you? I hope they think of me as someone who would do anything for them no matter what the obstacles.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? Find something that you know you enjoy and volunteer in that area. That way you will be dedicated and continue with the activity as opposed to give up from boredom.
What do you enjoy about community service? Obviously there is the great feeling of helping someone else. But beyond that you can meet new people who have similar interest and can enjoy what you are doing if you pick well.

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