Jaime Harris
William Paterson University
Jaime Harris, a junior with majors in Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies English and Psychology, and Disability Studies, has served the William Paterson University and local community by participating in over 25 university coordinated civic engagement activities. As a member of WP’s Changebuilder program created with NJ Campus Compact, Jaime organizes activities that encourage students to serve our campus and local community. Jaime’s passion for civic engagement includes working to address issues of food insecurity on campus by volunteering at WP Pioneer Food Pantry, local shelters and the NJ Community Food Bank. She is committed to helping children by assembling school supply kits and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Jaime serves the WP community as a Resident Assistant and Student Ambassador, and was inducted into WP LEADS Honor society for her commitment to leadership and civic engagement. As President of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Jaime often works behind the scenes to support many in-person and virtual civic engagement events. Civic Engagement is a core value at William Paterson University, and Jaime embodies these ideals through her commitment and leadership in serving the campus and surrounding community, and by encouraging others to follow her lead.
Personal Statement
I first became involved with helping address public concerns for as long as I can remember. I have been a Girl Scout since I was 5 years old and continued until I was 18 years old. As a Girl Scout, I would participate in numerous service activities such as making sandwiches to help people who did not have food to eat, and helping with canned food drives. In high school, I volunteered at local soup kitchens on the weekends. As I got older, I learned that it could be very hard to make a difference as one person, but to keep trying because it does make a difference in someone else’s life. At William Paterson University, I am helping to re-establish Alpha Phi Omega, a community service and leadership fraternity, and I volunteer at the campus food pantry in my spare time. I am a member of Changebuilders in which I have participated in many civic engagement activities including blood drives, park and campus clean-ups, and activities to benefit local schools and shelters. My goal is to continue to help address public concerns as much as I can, and try to encourage others to do the same.
