Milica loves to creatively share her culture. For example, during International Education Week she taught children “Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” in Serbian. Her host family and friends were immersed in the unique rituals to celebrate Serbian holidays such as Slava and Orthodox Christmas.
Milica has been an active member of Key Club. The club made dog toys for her local animal shelter, raised money for UNICEF, and registered donors for the school blood drive. She has nearly 130 hours of volunteer service, and one of her favorite volunteering activities was running the photo booth during a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Combining her love for children and her favorite sport, she organized a week-long tournament for 6th graders with her volleyball team. She has learned about other cultures through her volunteer work as well. In September, she prepared and served Armenian food during the 20th Annual Armenian Fest.
Milica’s GYSD project celebrated International Women’s Day while fundraising to help women in poverty and victims of sex trafficking. For two days, Milica sold donated flowers to raise money for an organization that gives a platform for women living in impoverished countries to sell their own goods. The organization also donates to “Elevate Academy,” a program that helps sex trafficking survivors. Milica raised more than $1,000, which will help sponsor one survivor’s access to the program!
Her host mother remarked, “She shows drive, energy, and positivity in every new experience.” She added, “Milica has been an awesome big sister to her four young siblings, and we all feel blessed to have Milica as part of our family.”
Congrats Milica!
