Handing Off the Oiler Experience: Alumna Volunteers for Service Projects

For Mariah Hohman, who graduated from the University of Findlay in 2013, volunteering as project leader for the Oiler Experience Service Projects gives her the opportunity not only to hear about how UF has changed since her time here, but the chance to offer wisdom to new students based on her own experiences.
“We have an impact on them and their future course at Findlay,” said Hohman. “We can give them lots of tips from the best night to eat at Henderson to which professors they should have, and just give them a sense of knowing someone who’s been through it.”
The project she led this fall during orientation assisted Focus on Friends, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals and families impacted by mental health issues and addiction. “We’re able to come in and volunteer for the things they can’t afford to pay someone to do,” explained Hohman as the students continued to work on painting the outside of the building. Last year Hohman and some of the students also worked with Focus on Friends to put together a rummage sale raising $500 for the organization.
Being involved in service projects in her time at UF inspired Hohman to change her major after working with individuals with disabilities through a project called Sweet Service Saturday in her freshman year. “Service really changed my life, going from a pharmacy major to a special education major and into a field that I love.” Currently she is an intervention specialist for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders at Van Buren Local Schools.
After graduation, Hohman quickly became involved in Generation Orange (GO!), graduates of the last decade at UF, as vice president. The group networks with other alumni, organizes social events and performs service projects in the community. “It’s wonderful to still have the connection with the University. You spend four years living here and putting everything you have into this University,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be able to meet people who’ve been through the same thing and share those experiences.”
Check out the video below to hear more from alumna, Mariah Hohman about her experiences as a service project leader and part of GO! For more information about GO! visit GenerationOrange.Findlay.edu.