The business of giving back, from classroom to community

Women in Business event director and information systems junior Ngan Thai said she chose to volunteer with the Taste Project after the co-founder spoke in her Business Communication class.

“I was impressed with how they serve the community and create a community for the volunteers themselves. It’s not just about coming in and coming out,” Ngan said. “When I’m creating events, I try to find an activity that puts people together in a meaningful way...and Taste does create that environment.” 

Founded in 2012, the Taste Project has two restaurant locations in Fort Worth and Arlington, and offers high-quality meals with no set menu prices, encouraging patrons to pay what they can. 

Members of Women in Business pose for a photo at Taste Project. Photo courtesy of Women in Business. 

Ngan said volunteering at Taste involved serving food, acting as hosts and grabbing drinks for customers. She said members especially enjoyed making connections with people dining in.

“The more you do something, the more you see the impact that you created, and it does give you the confidence to say, ‘Hey, if I can create impact on this, what kind of impact can I create for myself?’,” Ngan said. “Volunteering is also a great way to network because a lot of professionals like to volunteer as well. They see the impact of creating a better society.”

Noah Fitch, finance senior and community service director for the Finance Society, said his past volunteer experiences with Mission Arlington inspired him to select the organization for the group’s service efforts.

“I’ve served with them multiple times, starting with my high school and then individually as well,” Fitch said. “I had a good relationship with them and so when I brought this to the Finance Society and the other officers, I was able to explain what they focused on and we were able to quickly plan an event.”

Founded in 1986, Mission Arlington assists families in need with clothing, food, childcare, health care and more.

Fitch said a special part of his volunteer experience was being able to meet the founder of Mission Arlington, Tillie Burgin, as well as serving alongside his friends. 

“I’ve been able to serve at Mission Arlington a couple times before, but I’ve never gotten to meet her. Being able to meet the person behind it and understand why everyone is there serving and taking it so seriously was extra special to me,” Fitch said. “It was also the first time serving with the Finance Society, so being able to come alongside some of my closest friends here at UTA and our members and actually make a difference in people’s lives was really meaningful.”

Members of the Finance Society pose for a photo at Mission Arlington. Photo courtesy of Finance Society. 

Fitch said volunteering is something all students should get involved in because it can also support their careers.

“I think it's important for business students because when employers are looking to hire someone, they don't want someone that just went through the motions. They don't want someone that just showed up to class, did their homework, did the exams, and left. They want someone that was actually involved,” Fitch said. “When you take that a step further and you have your volunteer experience helping these nonprofit organizations, it shows that not only can you make connections, but you're big about making an impact on people.”

Jacob Alvarado, accounting and finance senior and president of the Accounting Society, said volunteering with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program gives its members a way to expand on their in-class learning while giving back.

The VITA program gives free tax help to people who qualify, including those with lower incomes, disabilities, limited English, or older adults. IRS-certified volunteers, such as members of the Accounting Society, help people file their taxes for free at places like community centers, libraries, and schools.

“Students who participate will get firsthand tax experience alongside being able to develop their soft skills,” Alvarado said. “This opportunity pushes students to get out of their comfort zone and apply what they have learned in class to real-world scenarios.”

Vy Pham, accounting sophomore and vice president of the Accounting Society, said that for her, accounting is less about numbers and more about the people those numbers ultimately serve. 

“Being in accounting is about serving the people,” Pham said. “No matter where you go in your career, you are helping a community in some way, so it’s extremely important to start building that mindset of serving. One day, that same community could come together to help you.”

Student organizations at the College of Business are more than just a resume boost or a way to meet friends, they are a pathway for students to engage with the community through service while building skills that extend beyond the classroom.