Madison Nicholson

My name is Madison Nicholson, and I am a third-year Health Science student at The Ohio State University. I currently serve as a board member with the Buck-I-SERV organization, and through this role, I have had the privilege of attending three service trips to various locations.

Thanks to the Access Fund, I was able to travel to Washington, D.C., where I served with Food & Friends, packaging meals for individuals living with serious illnesses. I also recently traveled to Restoration Atlanta in Georgia, where I engaged with the local homeless community and spent meaningful time with the mothers and children living at the facility. With additional support from the Access Fund, I had the opportunity to travel internationally to Honduras to serve with Montaña de Luz. There, I spent a week connecting with the community and building relationships with the children who live at the organization.

Buck-I-SERV has taught me so much about the meaning of service, how it impacts communities, and how it shapes those who serve. Without the help of the Access Fund, I would not have been able to gain the experiences, memories, and friendships that have become so important to me.

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.