Welcome Back

Forum Date: Monday, August 27, 2012

Current Mood = Crazy tired from band practice.

Current Music = "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by none other than the great T-Swifty herself

Quote of the Day = "It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at LEAST the equivalent of what he takes out of it." - Albert Einstein

Dear Fellow Bloggers,

Behold the first of many blog posts to come during this semester. This post just happens to be the product of a serious chocolate high and some inspiring Taylor Swift background music... so prepare yourselves.

Ever since I finally declared a major (fashion merchandising) and a minor (journalism) last semester, the future has served as such a motivation factor in my studies and life. As it turns out, one of my goals for this year was to practice my writing skills and put my minor to use by writing my own blog.
Granted, I had hoped to become a popular fashion blogger and didn't expect to be writing about civic engagement; however, volunteering is something that has always been near and dear to my heart.

To start off the first sophomore Honors Forum class of the year, Vince told us that each honors student is required to have 10-15 hours of service per semester upon graduation. While that may seem like a lot at the moment, when the community service projects are spread out, the task is much more managable.

Because I have always loved little kids, I am thinking about dedicating my time and efforts to helping out young boys and girls. My love for UNA and the city of Florence has only grown throughout my stay here, so, if possible, I would like to focus some of my civic engagement on children in the Shoals community. Over the summer I was thinking ahead and looking at different organizations to join this semester when the group Alternative Break Board caught my eye. ABB is a student led organization whose purpose is to offer direct service opportunities to the UNA community during fall and spring semesters to help create a campus culture of active citizens. I'm really excited to apply to work with the other members of that group in the future, both in the Shoals community and abroad during spring break. The HP website's huge list of civic engagement opportunities available just a few minutes away has only added to my list of possible volunteer choices!

As the first list of many to come, allow me to now pin-point the top two (very common, I might add) excuses people use to avoid volunteering and what facts Vince gave to bust those myths.
Objections to Service:
1. Sometimes you have to travel to the "bad part" of town.
2. The people may or may not really need your help.

Rebuttal:
1. Yes, sometimes when volunteering you will have to travel to the poorer communities to help those in need. In those situations, I feel like the efforts you put forward will have a greater visual impact on an area and you will be able to get that internal happy feeling from just the smallest change you cause.
2. Have you ever heard of the saying "It's the thought that counts?" Well, I feel like those words of wisdom apply in this situation. 

In closing, there are days 365 in a year... why not use at least one of them to volunteer?

XOXO, Emily