Giving...Better than Recieving?
I am always amazed at how many ways there are to give back to the community here on campus. It seems like students are more apt to seek out service projects in high school simply because so many colleges are looking for well-rounded, caring students. And that is true. But, what I love about Willamette is that the service does not stop once students arrive on campus. The campus is continually providing students with service-learning opportunities. The hospital is located directly across from the school where students can volunteer in a variety of facets. Bush Elementary is also located next to the Kaneko dorms or just a quick walk over the sky bridge. During winter break, I spent a week in San Francisco with eleven students from a group on campus. It was an amazing week of working at the Alameda County Food Bank, various soup kitchens, and after school programs with children. While I had an amazing time and was able to see a beautiful city, it was a great motivator for coming back to school and finding a way to serve the community.
One does not need to travel to another state to give back to those who need help when there are so many deserving people even in Salem. With the three day weekend coming up, I am looking forward of taking advantage of the many service opportunities that are available because many will not be in classes on Monday. I encourage all potential students to find a cause, an organization, etc. that one will be able to carry on with even while at college.