Griffin Kapelus grew up in New York City and is currently a student enrolled at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.
Griffin Kapelus was raised to recognize the importance of volunteerism and community service, and as a young adult, he has incorporated those values into his life.
During the global health crisis, Griffin volunteered at West Side Campaign Against Hunger, a not-for-profit organization in New York City that works to alleviate hunger by ensuring that all New Yorkers have access with dignity to a choice of healthy food and supportive services. The pandemic exacerbated an already difficult situation with the homeless and hungry in New York, and the economic challenges, rising costs for food, along with the reduction in available social services led to a dramatic increase in hunger. It was during these difficult times that Griffin discovered how much of a difference one person can make, and whether it was packaging and boxing food for delivery to just sitting and talking to someone new, a little time and effort can have a profound impact on others.
In the Summer of 2021, Griffin Kapelus was a volunteer at Feeding Chittenden, a not for profit organization created to fight hunger and food insecurity faced by households throughout Chittenden County. Today, Feeding Chittenden serves more than 12,000 people annually through a variety of programs.
We had the chance to talk to Griffin Kapelus and learn a little about how he chose the University of Vermont for college, what classes he is taking and why, and how he spent the most recent summer vacation.
What do you hope to achieve during your school years?
I am more than halfway to completing my degree. I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve been able to achieve during this time. When I started college, it took me some time to narrow down what it was that I wanted to study. The process of exploring my interests and considering what I would like to do after graduation has guided me toward a career in the realm of social work. While I have not honed in on the specific job I’d like, the flexibility provided to me by pursuing a degree at the University of Vermont’s Liberal Arts College allows me to keep exploring as my college career goes on. In the time I have left in school, I hope to zero in on the issue I’d like to dedicate my carer to tackling in my community and beyond.
What influenced your decision to apply to the University of Vermont?
The University of Vermont is appealing partly because it’s a research university that provides opportunities to work on projects with your professors. It’s located in Burlington, a small metropolitan area with plenty to do but also offers a level of small-town familiarity with incredible outdoor activities. When I first applied to the University of Vermont, I was not sure yet what I planned on studying, so the College of Arts and Sciences allowed me to explore many different areas of study.
What courses are you taking right now?
Of the courses I’m taking right now, Rural Geography has been particularly eye-opening for me. This class has given me insight into rural places in a way that will serve me well in my future career in social work.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in privileged circumstances in a big city. However, this has painted a distorted picture of rural life, where up until now, I have only been able to see rural places through the lens of a rural tourist. I’d previously thought of rural life as simplistic and quaint, away from the pressures of hectic city life, and closer to things we value like family and nature. This view discounts the significant socioeconomic struggles of the less fortunate who live in a rural setting. Rural places and people experience poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, addiction, and everything in between. Unfortunately, they also have inferior access to social support that could help with these issues.
My Rural Geography class has been especially worthwhile to me because it ensures I am better prepared for any work I do in the future with rural communities. It has given me a foundation to appropriately understand and tackle rural issues as a partner rather than a city-dweller who thinks they know better than the residents of rural areas.
How did you spend your summer vacation?
Like the school year, most of my summer involved classes and work, albeit with a different balance. While the school year is more school-centric with a bit of work each week, the summer was more focused on work than school.
At the beginning of the summer, I was able to take a two-week trip home to New York City, and I really enjoyed that time to relax. I made the rounds and spent time with every member of my extended family, spent a lot of time with my dog, and also saw a great concert!