“As students, we can’t be in positions of power that make the legislation changes. However, if you volunteer, that is making a change,” Nelani explains. Her desire to help others has always been central to who she is, and through volunteering, she’s found ways to make a tangible impact on those around her. “I might not have the ability to change the soaring food prices in Ontario, but I can volunteer at my local soup kitchen and at least give them a warm meal once a week and a friendly face,” she adds.
As Nelani nears the end of her international studies and modern languages degree, her volunteer experiences have shaped her understanding of the world. One of her standout experiences was during her Agri-Food Politics course, POL 4173, when she worked with the Mexican embassy on the preservation of indigenous corn.
“During our research, our morals kicked in, and we sided with Mexico. We thought Canada was taking advantage of their relationship,” she says. Her group uncovered an unexpected and culturally significant issue: the threat to Mexico’s indigenous corn species due to genetically modified (GMO) crops. Nelani dove deep into the issue, realizing that it was not only a political matter but also a matter of cultural preservation. “A fun fact about Mexican cuisine is that it is the first cuisine to be protected by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Do you know what is threatening this intangible heritage site? The fact that their corn is disappearing because GMO corn is infiltrating their crops,” she says.
This issue resonated with Nelani, who embraced the challenge despite initially being disappointed by the assignment. “We ended up having the best project and the most fun because of the niche project with GMO corn and the neo-imperialism going on with that,” she recalls. Her group’s research not only shed light on the cultural implications but also highlighted Canada’s responsibility in protecting this heritage.
Through her placements at both the Mexican and Thai embassies, Nelani refined her research and report-writing skills in ways that were much more tangible than anything she could’ve learned in the classroom. “By translating our searches into Spanish, we found on-the-ground research from Mexican sources instead of just the English sources available to English speakers. We learned how to be creative and think outside the box,” she reflects. These experiences stretched her boundaries and expanded her global perspective.
But what Nelani discovered along the way was more personal: she realized that her passion for service could take many forms. Despite the deep connections she’s made through volunteer placements, Nelani plans to pursue a very different path than diplomacy. “I don’t have the same 24 hours as my peers because I have to deal with chronic pain and mobility issues,” she says. Despite the challenges, Nelani has come to understand that her journey is about finding where she can make the most impact — on her own terms.
“As somebody who’s young and disabled and doesn’t look disabled, people don’t know how to respond to me or give me the support I need,” she shares. Her disability and how it impacts her ability to work for a Canadian embassy abroad have guided her toward chaplaincy — a path that feels more aligned with helping her serve others on her terms.
Nelani’s experiences at the embassies have also shown her the power of cultural exchange and hospitality. “People are so hospitable in both embassies, and they really want us to succeed,” she says, recalling how staff made sure that the work she did was aligned with her educational goals. It was this sense of community and mutual respect that made her placements so rewarding. “Every time the ambassador at the Thai embassy sees me, he asks, ‘What do you want to get out of this, and how can we help you?’” she adds.
Nelani’s journey shows us that the power of volunteering isn’t just in the tasks we take on, but in the connections we make, the personal growth we experience and the ways in which we discover our true calling. As she continues to explore new paths, her volunteer work has given her not only the skills she needs but also the wisdom to know where she can truly make a difference.
This journey of service is a testament to her unwavering belief that even small acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts on the world around us.Nelani's perspective on creating change goes beyond traditional routes. As she puts it:
“Legislation is the last thing that changes — if I want to see laws changed, I have to change the hearts and minds of people.”
Nelani Colletti