I would never consider myself as someone who is oriented in service. I don’t do service projects that often, most times they are required for something else or part of an itinerary I don’t have control over. Part of it is my apathy and general lethargy but I also feel like I have trouble finding things that really interest me (although, again, I’m lethargic so I don’t search most opportunities out). Despite this attitude I have continually found that projects and events that I participate in I genuinely enjoy and would love to participate in again.
In the summer before my senior year I did a month long leadership program in which I did work on a community farm that served an underprivileged population in the blue ridge mountains. I’ve done service work with admissions here at the university and various walks for diabetes or other diseases. After all of them I’ve felt a sense of accomplishment and joy that I’ve helped someone else in a hopefully meaningful way.
The two service projects I’ve done this year have continued this trend. The first: a 4 hour cleanup session at Huguenot Flatwater that resulted in some interesting finds (a rusted sign post, a large metal canister of unknown origin or purpose, and a fair amount of barbed wire). After leaving that experience I felt as if I had a greater appreciation for the beauty of the river and it further promoted the idea in my mind that a little bit of work (like making sure you hit the trash can or recycling bin and not the grass behind it when throwing things out) can go a long way. The most recent experience was at the William Byrd Community House where myself and 6 others from Earth Lodge cleaned up leaves from around the property to help keep children from slipping on them and make the general curb appeal more pretty.
I think community service has a huge role in helping the underprivileged have less of a hardship to struggle though. I guess this post was more of my way of admitting to myself that I need to help others more and try and find opportunities to help and not just sit around an be lethargic.