Celebrating Black History Month: Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy lives on through students' volunteer work

"Service is a core pillar in my life because I want to make a difference,” said Catherine White, a fourth-year political science student at the University of Florida (UF). “I care about giving back and creating relationships within my community.”

White has been inspired by helping others for as long as she can remember. Some of her earliest memories of volunteering are from childhood. Growing up, her family often gathered donations and assisted food pantries together.

Her dedication to service only continued to grow when she began college. She started by tutoring younger students at Alachua County Public Schools. Now, White volunteers with Loads of Learning, an organization where she gets to read books to children at local laundromats.