Texas A&M at Qatar students learn about food insecurity during the Aggie Service Learning Experience
Published Nov 01, 2023
Twelve students from Texas A&M at Qatar engaged in impactful acts of service during their Aggie Service Learning Experience trip to Texas A&M University’s flagship campus in College Station, Texas (USA).
The trip, which was in line with the Aggie core value of Selfless Service, saw the students volunteering with 12th Can and Brazos Valley Food Bank to help address food insecurity among Aggies in College Station. The students sorted and cleaned donated food items, and packed, organized and distributed the food to those who needed it.
“During this trip, our Qatar Aggies helped students just like themselves in College Station deal with food insecurity,” said Stephanie Martinez, Student Affairs program coordinator at Texas A&M at Qatar and trip leader. “The experience helped our students understand that the struggles faced by those who are not as fortunate as them. They learned valuable lessons in understanding privilege, social impact and responsibility, and how important it is to have empathy for those around them.”
For the students, it was a time of learning and reflection.
Khalid Al-Sada ’24 said, “It was humbling to see how any difficulties students who are just like us face. Most of us take food security for granted and it was eye-opening to see that they weren’t even sure where they would get their next meal from. We are grateful for this trip, for the opportunity it provided us to help others, and to realize our own blessings. I would definitely encourage fellow Aggies to participate in a service-learning trip at least once during their time at Texas A&M at Qatar.”
The students also witnessed Aggie traditions, including Midnight Yell, toured the College Station campus and had the opportunity to watch a Texas A&M football game.