First-Year Computing Student Learns From COVID Volunteerism

Priscilla Maryanski, a first-year computer science major from Jersey City, was always told that learning by doing was the only way to succeed at college — but at NJIT she discovered a different approach of learning by doing good deeds.

Since April 2020, Maryanski has been a volunteer at Erevna, a multinational, student-led organization founded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that focuses on community service.

Harvard University students founded Erevna, which is Greek for research, for students like Maryanski who believes that learning through community service is a crucial missing element in today’s educational system.

Maryanski began her relationship with Erevna volunteering as a project coordinator on the organization’s first initiative, the Coronavirus Visualization Team (CVT). The team focuses on data science research projects related to COVID-19, using data visualization to present pandemic data in everyday language. She's had the opportunity to learn hands-on data science skills while working with public health officials in urban, underserved communities on personal protective equipment distribution projects, monitoring the spread of infection and charting vaccine rollout trends to identify potential access issues, particularly in higher-risk communities. 

While a member of the CVT, Maryanski used her computing skills to assist in the creation of data visualizations that informed New York borough presidents on PPE distribution progress across the city and also helped coordinate $600,000 in PPE donations during the height of the pandemic in the city. 

Through her involvement with Erevna, Mayanski’s passion for volunteerism, tackling important social issues, and her interest in the field of data science have grown. Erevna fosters an inclusive culture where her contributions and enthusiasm are being recognized by her fellow student-leaders. She will soon join the Erevna board of directors in the role of chief operating officer.

“This has been such a great experience, working with students from across the globe who have become some of my closest friends, having access to amazing mentors from the world of data science and getting to be part of experiential learning projects that have introduced me to data science and its many applications,” said Maryanski. “I love being able to tell important stories with the numbers, with the data and the mission-driven nature of my volunteer work with Erevna has been so motivating and inspiring.”

Maryanski notes that her experience as an NJIT student has been an integral part to her success and volunteer experience. “Being a student in an academically rigorous field like computer science really laid a solid foundation for me,” she said. “Volunteering with a group like Erevna where we are working on important social causes demands commitment and I believe my time at NJIT helped prepare me to give my all to the work.” 

She also notes that being a college student during the pandemic where classes are presented remotely has been another benefit in her volunteer work, which is performed remotely and brings together student leaders from as far away as Nepal.

As she acquires more computer science knowledge in her classes, Mayanski is eager to bring what she learns to her volunteer work. She will soon be participating in the group’s Policy for the People program where she will apply data science to address issues related to public policy and civic engagement.

“My experiences at NJIT so far have been so encouraging and positive, even with the pandemic forcing us all online,” she said. “The power of programming is limitless, which is why I love being able to apply it to causes I find important. Having a connected bridge between my extracurricular projects and my actual studies is something I’m grateful for and find great joy in. On top of that, learning while doing good – it’s a great combination in my book.”

Students interested in applying their computing talents to interesting social causes can learn more about Erevna here. The closest chapter to NJIT is located in the Bronx. Erevna also has close relationships with several high schools in the Bronx through its Policy for the People events.