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Why Do College Students Do Community Service? |
“Why do college students do community service?” asked a confused freshman who found her way into the Community Service Program office. After a long pause I began rattling off a list of answers… to help others, to be involved in a cause they are passionate about, to meet people, to be tied to the community, to get out of the WU bubble… I realized my list could go on and I was not sure what type of response this student was looking for.
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It was personal reasons that got me involved with community service as a college freshman. My older brother and I joined the group Feed St. Louis together. Saturday nights became exciting; not for the college parties, but for the few hours I spent with my brother delivering leftover Center Court to area shelters. It was a chance to get to know the greater WU population, such as the Bon Appetit workers, and also a chance to get off campus and explore St. Louis. Perhaps my reasons for doing community service are selfish. I do it to better myself through education and action. Yes, I am helping others, but I am also helping myself grow. I can explore career options and meet new people. My commitment to community service has provided me with endless stories and experiences to share with others. |
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"Saturday nights became exciting; not for the college parties, but for the few hours I spent with my brother delivering leftover Center Court to area shelters." |
As I prepare to leave Washington University and St. Louis, community service will be the tool I will use to get acquainted with my new surroundings. After being involved with WU's Relay For Life, I plan on joining a committee and forming a team in my new city. Community service and Relay will be the consistency in my ever changing world. The event and the cause will remain the same, but the people and surroundings will change. My involvement with Relay will also be a tie to the students I worked with during my “extra” year at WU. I will keep in touch not only to hear about their personal achievements, but to exchange ideas for planning other Relay events, as I am confident they will continue to support the endeavors of the American Cancer Society. Relay will also be a tie to WU. I plan on returning to campus for next year's event and I will always track WU's progress as we make our way to being the top college Relay in the country.
I wish I had taken the time to have a conversation with that lost freshman instead of simply directing her to the community service website. I wish I had asked her about her passions and what she wants to get out of her time at WU. Community service can provide balance and consistency to college students' hectic lives. It also provides students with a chance to make a difference.
Hillary Saxon
Class of 2004
Washington University in St. Louis
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