A-SMYLE Student of the Month – May 2015

Milica, a CIEE placed American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE) student from Serbia, is an ambitious self-starter.  Milica said she enjoyed attending American high school. She was a member of her school's drama club and performed in Seussical the Musical, and was a member of the swim and dive team as well. Her favorite events were the 100 meter breast stroke and 50 meter free style.  During International Education Week, Milica held presentations in her school where she talked about Serbian history and traditions and taught her classmates how to dance the Uzicko kolo, a traditional Serbian dance.  Milica also participated in the Civic Education Workshop in Washington, DC. She won first place in the CEW photo contest. 

 

Milica is a generous volunteer, completing over 108 hours of community service. She volunteered in retirement homes where she spent time with senior citizens. On Valentine’s Day, she painted residents' nails and made Valentine's Day cards with them. She volunteered with Audio-Reader, a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print disabled persons. She helped at their Earth Day event, distributed flyers and promoted up-coming sales events. She also assisted with Kids Voting Kansas, an organization with a mission of increasing lifelong voter participation by educating children and involving them in the voting process. 

 

In addition, Milica was considerably involved with “Family Promise,” a program at her host family church that provides food and a place to stay for homeless families in the community. She worked in the Holiday Shop and at their Winter Wonderland and Valentine’s Day Fun Night Fundraisers to raise money for a child who needed heart surgery.  he also volunteered with the “Watch Dogs” organization making crafts, tutoring children in grades 1-5 and leading them in playtime activities.

 

When Milica returns to Serbia she plans to organize activities for youth in her hometown that focus on keeping them from consuming alcohol and drugs. She also wants to start a Young Feminist Club, a Book Club, and a youth group in her school. 

 

Congratulations, Milica!