Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and there is no better time to pause and recognize the selfless contributions of our extraordinary JA Volunteers who inspire and motivate us every day.
Throughout the week, we’ll be featuring JA Volunteers who go above and beyond to connect students with the learning experiences they need for an inspired and successful future.
Read JA Volunteer Zach Albert’s Q&A with JA below!
Zachary Albert, MBA Candidate, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
JA: How have you volunteered with JA and what compelled you to do so?
Zach: I initially became involved with Junior Achievement as an Associate Leadership Council member representing Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. I have always viewed education as an Occam’s Razor that is the root of many of society’s difficulties. Junior Achievement’s mission of financial literacy is perfectly aligned with Georgetown’s philanthropic values and the focus of MBA students. Since creating this partnership, I have volunteered at the JA Finance Park and was the founding mentor for the JA Company program at the Georgetown University host site.
JA: What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a JA volunteer?
Zach: The greatest benefit has been the feeling of making a positive influence on so many individuals, perhaps without them realizing the full extent of how much they are growing. JA’s programs are developed in a way that results in “secret learning” while the students participate in an activity they enjoy. I love to see how much these students learn.
JA: What is your favorite JA memory?
Zach: COVID-19 had a completely unprecedented impact on the US economy, and the JA Company Program members experienced a microcosm of those effects. On top of the regular duties of running a young business, we took the time to discuss exactly how the virus was impacting the student’s business, the businesses that are traded in the stock market, and the US economy as a whole. Moderating a conversation where these intelligent kids spoke about their perspective on what was going on around them was a rare bright spot in the world around us.
JA: What do you wish more people knew about JA or what would you tell someone that is thinking about volunteering with JA?
Zach: JA has a huge impact on the local community as the organization directly influences the lives of so many students in greater Washington. I would also want people to know that it is extremely easy for individuals or small groups of professionals to volunteer. The JA staff ensures that process is seamless and self-contained into a single-day. Its easy to volunteer when all you have to do is show up!
JA: What advice would you give to the next generation?
Zach: The future will require adaptability. Critically reflect on all that you experience to build a foundation of knowledge that makes you the most prepared to adapt to the changing world.
Interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our JA Volunteers? Check out more spotlights below.
To learn how you can get involved with or support JA, send us an inquiry.
