51¹ÙÍø.

Before this summer, I would’ve described nonprofit work as a risky pursuit of an unattainable goal. 

My experience with the Nonprofit Leadership Fellows and Freedom Communities challenged me in ways that tested my patience, adaptability and dedication to a mission.

The experience raised significant questions: Am I willing to do more work than I will often be compensated for? The answer is yes. The satisfaction derived from contributing to a cause greater than myself outweighed any financial compensation. 

Am I willing to wear more hats than I originally applied for? This experience taught me the value of versatility and the importance of being flexible. 

Am I willing to pursue the mission instead of the money? Observing the dedication of those at Freedom Communities, who were committed to their mission despite financial constraints, was inspiring. This dedication reinforced my resolve to prioritize purpose over profit in my future endeavors.

Working with Freedom Communities and engaging in the Nonprofit Leadership Fellows (NPLF) enrichment program led me to learn a lot. The most important lesson I picked up? Focusing on one thing—be it location, goal, or task—can be the catalyst for significant progress. The need for this kind of targeted approach was highlighted in a 2017 study that declared Charlotte one of the least economically mobile areas among 50 major U.S. cities. 

In response, Freedom Communities decided to address housing, education, employment, and health within the Freedom Drive Corridor instead of spreading their efforts throughout all of Charlotte. Named after Freedom Drive, which runs through the heart of several neighborhoods in West Charlotte, the Freedom Drive Corridor represents a portion of Charlotte historically underserved and under-resourced.

This strategic focus has yielded remarkable results, showcasing the power of concentrated efforts. As I head back to 51¹ÙÍø, I will apply this lesson by focusing on "going deep with a few rather than spreading myself thin."

My involvement as a Nonprofit Leadership Fellow has influenced my perception of my gifts and how I use them. I have always had a natural care for people; serving in church and the college’s campus ministry. Spending a summer surrounded by people who use their gifts in real estate, administration, accounting and education to reach a social good has been very encouraging. I’ve found a deeper reason to pursue medicine, and I understand now that a career in medicine doesn’t limit my ability to serve. My engagement won’t be limited to donations and volunteer Saturdays. I can help serve at any age. 

To be honest, I hadn’t anticipated pursuing a summer with a nonprofit, but it may have been one of my most impactful summers. Through my work with Freedom Communities and the nonprofit sector as a whole, I’ve discovered that my gifts for service will not be wasted, and I can’t wait to get to work.