An act of kindness shows that one cares for another person’s well-being. Service is helping those in need or simply helping a friend out. I believe that service is sacrifice and humility. It is giving up a small chunk of time to volunteer at the church or buy a friend coffee who may be having a rough day. It could even be a bigger, more expensive affair such as traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to direct a Vacation Bible School for some children in Africa. Service ties into the community because people often serve those who have supported them. Personally it is gratifying to know that I made someone’s day shine a little brighter. Longwood University has provided me with many opportunities to serve the local community of Farmville, Virginia.
I chose to purse a nursing career because I enjoy serving and caring for those around me. A general well-being of people I encounter is important to me, whether that is physically or emotionally. The nursing program offers areas of volunteer work that I plan to participate in once I am eligible. The Student Nursing Association allows me to serve the Longwood community through fundraisers and the global community through Operation Christmas Child. In the fall, I collected items for children in need and spent a couple hours packing boxes with other nursing students. A smile was brought to my face when I saw the final amount of boxes packed.
Young Life allows me to serve the students at Prince Edward County High School. As a college leader, I meet with a larger group of the high school students at club and then everyone goes to Cook Out afterwards. Club is a relaxed environment where students can invite their friends to play games, fellowship, and hear the word of Jesus. Another night of the week I help lead campaigners for a smaller group of students. I find hanging out with these students to be rewarding because I am able to encourage them with school, support their sport events, and guide them in a relationship with Jesus.
The honors college also hold many opportunities for me to serve the local community. During my freshman year, I participated in fundraisers for local charities and packed Christmas gift boxes for children in need. In the fall, I will be mentoring a group of incoming freshman honors students through their transition to college life. I am excited to follow through with this opportunity to share my positive freshman experience with new students!