As part of her sabbatical, Professor of Marketing Flo Lucci embarked on a meaningful volunteer experience in Poland during July 2024. Partnering with Global Volunteers, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to community service worldwide, she joined a team working in a city named Siedlce. The program’s mission was to support local schools and help integrate Ukrainian refugee children into the community. These children, aged 10 to 14, often faced language barriers and social isolation, as their families have been displaced and separated.
The volunteer team, composed of 12 members from diverse backgrounds, spent a week at a middle school running an English language camp. While the official curriculum focused on grammar, Lucci and her colleagues quickly adapted their approach to emphasize games, crafts, and interactive activities that encouraged bonding between Polish and Ukrainian students.
Initially, communication was challenging; many Ukrainian children knew only a handful of English words. However, by the end of the week, the transformation was remarkable—children who were shy and withdrawn on day one were now laughing, playing, and even holding hands during group activities. This progress underscored the power of cultural exchange and teamwork in fostering resilience and hope.
Beyond teaching, Lucci immersed herself in Polish culture, enjoying traditional meals, exploring local parks, and visiting a state-of-the-art science center in Warsaw with the students. She praised the hospitality of the Polish community and the dedication of local educators. Despite grueling travel marked by flight cancellations and a 34-hour return journey, Lucci described the trip as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. It not only fulfilled her sabbatical goals but also deepened her commitment to global engagement and volunteerism.