A group of CCIP exchange visitors endeavored in a volunteering project today by assisting with a large-scale cleaning effort in Cunningham Park, the premier park of northeast Queens. The participants were exposed to volunteerism's role as a central value in American communities since it enables people from all backgrounds to come together based on a collective desire to improve their surroundings.

Event leader Sampson, a student at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and a current intern at Studio NYC, was happy to be part of a project that would have a lasting impact for the overall community of Queens.

"I like that I was able to get out and interact with the larger community," he said. "It's important to make our neighborhoods better and show others that we care about being here."

The exchange visitors raked leaves and tended to the grooming of the parkland as a team. The experience was enjoyable because they were able to work together and also interact with locals who were thankful for their efforts.

"We could tell that the community was glad we were volunteering. I came to understand that volunteering is rewarding because you can see the results so quickly," Sampson concluded.

The exchange visitors are already looking forward to some of the other cultural activities in the coming days. June 18th will bring a trip to see The Phantom of the Opera and June 19th will be a Free Friday at MoMA, and both dates are filling up with exchange visitors eager to take part.