Medical Student |Wayne State University
Kamal Al-Shalby – now an overworked medical student at Wayne State University – spent a “year off” in 2014, volunteering with ACCESS Social Services staff as an intern through AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA). With a talent for innovation and an eye toward efficiency, Kamal certainly left his mark during his short time at ACCESS.
Sometime during college, I became much more aware of the world, and that there are a lot of human beings on this planet that are in situations they really don’t have to be in, like living in poverty.
When I graduated, I wanted to do something during my year off. I wanted to volunteer, and I wanted to do something to contribute to the fight against poverty. So, a VISTA internship with ACCESS turned out to be the perfect opportunity.
It was nice to be connected with an Arab American institution. It felt very grounding as an Arab American that we have this center. It’s nation wide, and it’s doing great things for people.
During my internship, I came up with some ideas to reduce the client intake paperwork for ACCESS Social Services by 60%. I also changed the online input system so that each social worker can do it themselves, and the reports are generated automatically.
I am innovative, compassionate and determined.
This series shares the stories of the many philanthropists, change-makers and leaders that make up our ACCESS family. These individuals – ACCESS donors, volunteers and friends – embody the spirit of giving. It is our hope that their stories of going the extra mile in service to others and doing good through ACCESS will inspire you to embrace your inner philanthropist, and show you how we can be your "ACCESS to Good."