Local opportunities to volunteer and share your skills abound. I encourage my students to explore local opportunities first to make a difference and serve the community where they live and thrive. Inika S., one of my students from the Class of 2024 participated in the City of Fremont’s boxArt program and got the opportunity to showcase her art on an electric cable box on the intersection of Fremont Blvd and Enea Ct. in Fremont, CA

The goal of Fremont’s boxArt program was to brighten the stark cable boxes and showcase work of local artists by providing them the opportunity to paint them all over the city at traffic intersections. Little did Inika know that she would be one of the artists who would be picked to paint one.

Driven by her love for art, Inika was inspired to take on this project, wanting to give back to her city and community. The theme was sustainability, and she had the vision of painting a sustainable earth. 

Inika says “My boxArt design was inspired by how each one of us has the power to build a more sustainable world by balancing the comfort of humanity and the consumption of natural resources, whether it’s moving to eco-friendly forms of transportation or reducing waste. No matter how small, we can all make a difference and take care of our lovely planet, as the Earth is in our hands. I showed this by painting two different hands holding the Earth, with solar panels and windmills as more sustainable energy sources. I drew animals and plants to display the positive biodiversity that comes with taking care of the planet. I used bright colors to bring a pop to the surrounding area.”

She says that while working on the project, she got a lot of support from her mom, friends, and store owners in the area who provided her cool drinks and snacks while she worked on her boxArt. The most rewarding part, she says, was giving back to her community, making the city a little prettier and bringing awareness to sustainability.

Photo Credits: Inika S.
boxArt location-intersection of Fremont Blvd and Enea Ct. in Fremont, CA

During our 30 minute free initial consultation with the student and their family, I often ask the family why they want to hire an IEC (Independent College Consultant) to help their student.

I get many different responses which help me understand the family’s expectations and also talk to families about my mission.

If you to ask me the same question, I would honestly respond that here are 10 good reasons to hire an IEC to be your advisor and coach in this process.