Monica Cones

I am a third-year student, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish. I have been on the Buck-I-SERV board since my freshman year. On the board, I currently serve on the marketing committee, reaching out to the student body through social media, in-person presentations, and speaking at fairs. I have had the opportunity to be a part of three trips: One Heartland in Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity in Florida, and Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in Colorado. I have also served as a trip leader on the Habitat for Humanity trip to Florida, learning what each role entails for a student.  Raising funds for the Buck-I-SERV access fund is important to me because I want other students at OSU to have the opportunity to travel to the many different locations and partnerships we offer through Buck-I-SERV. Taking part in this week of volunteer work is not only about us students giving back to the community, but also about a life-changing trip full of new friendships, overcoming challenges, and the surfacing of vast opportunities for students. These funds allow students who may not be able to participate in these trips to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

About Buck-I-SERV

Buck-I-SERV is The Ohio State University’s Alternative Break Program, housed within the Office of Student Life’s Leadership and Community Engagement department. What began as a single student-led trip in 2003 has grown into a nationally recognized program that has facilitated more than 1,000 service experiences across 30 states and 14 countries in partnership with over 150 community organizations. Through immersive, community-centered service trips, Buck-I-SERV provides students with opportunities to learn, lead, reflect, and deepen their understanding of social justice issues- from environmental conservation to housing access, youth support, and more. 

Your gift directly opens the door for more students to experience these transformational trips. By supporting the Buck-I-SERV program, you help reduce financial barriers that may otherwise prevent students from participating. Donor contributions strengthen our Student Access Fund and help subsidize overall trip costs, making programs more affordable and accessible.  

Every donation, no matter the size, supports students’ ability to engage in meaningful service-learning, build lasting community partnerships, and carry a lifelong commitment to service back to campus and beyond.