The Observer, October 20, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 8
A Fresh Perspective: Volunteering a valuable experience
August – the first days of college life. It seems so long ago now as I am loaded down with tests, quizzes and frequent obnoxious SAGES papers. Despite the numerous memories I have formed since then and hundreds of pages of information now crammed in my brain, I can clearly recall what my first few days at Case were like.
Unlike most of the freshman class, I moved in before Welcome Days–not as a member of Session IV orientation but as a participant of the CaseVentures program. In particular I was a member of CaseServes!
CaseServes! focused on volunteerism as a student here at Case. For three days I was part of a small group of students and staff from the Office of Civic Engagement & Learning that volunteered at several sites–each no more than a 10 minute drive off campus.
The first place we volunteered at was Abington Arms, a subsidized housing community for seniors. We went to the homes of several seniors and did basic chores for them like washing their windows and vacuuming.
We also visited the Magnolia Club House, a place for the mentally ill to receive job skill training, employment opportunities, and social interaction on a daily basis. There we worked with several of the clubhouse members to help beautify the club house.
Interspersed with volunteering, our group also went out on the town for social events–and in general had a blast throughout the entire experience.
Since classes began, however, I have not had the time to volunteer like I would have liked. Three weekends ago, though, I was able to once again start helping out a service group here at Case.
This is because that weekend I slept in a box. Yes, a box. I had joined the dozens of Case students for "Let's Shack Up" for Habitat for Humanity in order to raise awareness about homelessness in the Cleveland area.
That night, I had some of the most fun throughout all of college since CaseServes! and Welcome Days. With several cardboard boxes, some duct tape, paint, and a lot of creativity, a group of about six finally erected our house for the night.
Along with playing games, eating s'mores, and drinking hot chocolate, the participants of Let's Shack Up were introduced to St. Malachi Center and its programs to help the homeless.
For me, volunteering has allowed me to forget about my own problems – that huge test tomorrow or the paper due later in the week – and focus on someone else. This shift of focus helps keep everything in perspective and in the long run, it is who I help that will really matter instead of whether I got a B+ or an A- on a paper.
Volunteering is a great way to become active on campus. Not only do you meet a slew of friendly people, you are also giving back to the community that makes Case so special. So for anyone looking to enrich their Case experience, just contact the Office of Civic Engagement & Learning and they will be more than happy to help you find someplace to close to campus to volunteer.
