I didn't realize (amazing volunteers, what they do at USN)
This feature is about parent Laxmi Dasari to encourage volunteers.
by Melissa Flatt, USNA volunteer coordinator
Last year, I was asked by our illustrious University School of Nashville Association if I would consider being the step-up volunteer coordinator. As the name implies, that is a two-year commitment, with the second year being the volunteer coordinator. It's my second year. Don't get me wrong, it's cool to have a title, but what I really do are two main things: 1. If you say you'd like to get involved at USN, I help you connect with the right person and place (as I said, cool job, but even better, wait for it…), and 2. I get to interview really awesome people who volunteer at USN and share their stories with you. All that said, here's the third of this year’s column I like to call “I didn’t realize.”
Last year, I was asked by our illustrious University School of Nashville Association if I would consider being the step-up volunteer coordinator. As the name implies, that is a two-year commitment, with the second year being the volunteer coordinator. It's my second year. Don't get me wrong, it's cool to have a title, but what I really do are two main things: 1. If you say you'd like to get involved at USN, I help you connect with the right person and place (as I said, cool job, but even better, wait for it…), and 2. I get to interview really awesome people who volunteer at USN and share their stories with you. All that said, here's the third of this year’s column I like to call “I didn’t realize.”
Frosty mornings, bundles of coats, and fuzzy hats keep us cozy as we head out of 2018. This month, I’d like to introduce you to Laxmi Dasari. Many of you know Laxmi. She is a 13-year USN parent of twins, Arjun '19 and Sonali '19, and has been actively volunteering the entire time. As a parent of seniors, some folks might be tempted to temper their volunteer experiences, preferring to say, "I've done my time." But not Laxmi. She embraces this senior year experience as the last year to volunteer and she wants to take advantage of these opportunities before her children graduate. Laxmi even wants to try to do things that she might not have had a chance to try before, so as to take full advantage of this senior year. And all of this volunteering while working as a radiologist for Tennessee Women’s Care specializing in breast care, and spending time with husband, Ram, and the twins.
Laxmi can attest that there is no shortage in number or variety of volunteer opportunities at USN. Laxmi was the guest speaker in kindergarten, teaching about Diwali, special Indian foods, songs, wearing a sari and applying bhindis to our smallest learners. She has been a repeat Lower School helping hand, celebrated at holiday parties, made copies, assembled packets, and cut laminate, just to name a few. Continuing in Middle School, Laxmi has chaperoned for the fifth grade trip to Little Rock and the Junior Theater Festival. She helped all four years with the Middle School musical with jobs like snacks, publicity, hair and makeup, backstage, and box office. In High School, Laxmi has helped specifically with the tennis team and as an Art Angel all four years. And don't forget the events that span all three divisions: Fall Fest, Fall Book Frenzy, International Fair, Artclectic, and Annual Fund. Laxmi has made phone calls, written notes, handled cash registers, sorted, painted, unloaded, and set up. I really don't think it's possible to list all of the ways Laxmi has contributed to our USN community over these 13 years.
What has kept Laxmi coming back to help out year after year? She is happy to give something back to USN. She enjoys meeting other parents and teachers. She loves learning about what her children are involved in at school, and volunteering allows Laxmi to learn new things, as well.
Keeping that 13 year perspective in mind, what would this super mom like to stay the same at USN? Are there any changes that she’d like to see happen?
"Definitely keep all of the great annual events—Evening Classes, Fall Fest, Artclectic—and keep inviting the public. It’s great to host community events that allow everyone to experience things that are extra special. Consider encouraging more collaboration between USNA and students. We have fabulous students that embrace leadership and volunteer opportunities. Collaboration with USNA would provide a different dynamic for students to experience," she said. "Working with other parents, not teachers or their own parents, would give students a new perspective."
Laxmi would also love to see more support groups for parents to have ongoing discussions, and for High School to embrace mindfulness and stress-reducing techniques. But overarching is her certainty that the USN community has been amazing. Our kids have so many opportunities and get exposed to so much. USN kids’ lives are enriched by the myriad of activities both in and beyond the classrooms.
"Definitely keep all of the great annual events—Evening Classes, Fall Fest, Artclectic—and keep inviting the public. It’s great to host community events that allow everyone to experience things that are extra special. Consider encouraging more collaboration between USNA and students. We have fabulous students that embrace leadership and volunteer opportunities. Collaboration with USNA would provide a different dynamic for students to experience," she said. "Working with other parents, not teachers or their own parents, would give students a new perspective."
Laxmi would also love to see more support groups for parents to have ongoing discussions, and for High School to embrace mindfulness and stress-reducing techniques. But overarching is her certainty that the USN community has been amazing. Our kids have so many opportunities and get exposed to so much. USN kids’ lives are enriched by the myriad of activities both in and beyond the classrooms.
Melissa: Laxmi, would you do it again?
Laxmi: I would do it over again. I’ve grown as a person and have been able to experience so many different things because I volunteered. I’ve been able to connect with Arjun and Sonali in a different capacity. I've gotten to know teachers as well. I encourage you all to volunteer in some small way. Once you start volunteering, you'll say, "That's not so bad. I can do a little bit more."
Melissa: And as a senior parent, what are your words of wisdom?
Laxmi: People say over and over again, engage with your kids in whatever way possible. Volunteering is a great way to do this. Time goes so quickly. My kids are off to college next year. I am so happy to have been part of the USN community and hope to continue to do more even after my kids graduate.
Laxmi, those are welcome words to hear. We can't wait for our next project. Thank you.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Class of 2025 athletes continue college commitments
Tessa Chomsky '25 will play soccer at Williams College, and Carson Darr '25 will play baseball for New College of Florida.Read More -
Collin ’25 earns UVA’s prestigious Jefferson Scholarship
The senior has been awarded one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation, making it two consecutive years that University of Virginia has selected a USN student for a full ride covering the cost of instruction, housing, and meals.Read More -
Seniors earn National Merit Scholarships
Congratulations to Elena Rothman ’25 and Ophelia Cherry-Pulay ’25, who have been selected as National Merit Scholars.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.