Investment in the Future
University students reaping great reward in helping others
An impressive 26,000 volunteer hours were given last year by Georgia Southern students around Statesboro and beyond, but equally impressive is what they – and those they have helped – received from the experience.
“In our office we talk about service being the purest expression of leadership,” said Todd Deal, director of the University’s Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. “That’s the culture of who we are as educators. It’s not only about being the Student Government Association president.”
Deal, who was a guest this summer on the Fox News Channel to talk about Georgia Southern students’ community service efforts, said that his task is made a bit easier by what he described as the millennial generation’s ‘propensity to serve.’ “They’ve been compared to the Greatest Generation – all about America; all about serving,” he said.
Students do receive tangible rewards for their efforts – a formal service transcript for those who log 200 hours with the Office during their time at Georgia Southern that can be used as part of an employment search or graduate school application.
But, he said, the intangibles are just as rewarding. “Our office is one of the primary units that can build bridges with Statesboro and Bulloch County, because we’re engaging our students in a non-economic way, but they’re still investing in the community. A lot of people use the term ‘giving back.’ There’s nothing wrong with that, but I like to use the term ‘investing in.’
You’re not just giving and going away,” he said. “Investment is long-term. You’re giving and giving and putting yourself out there for the community.”
Deal frequently gets feedback from students about their volunteer experiences, whether just off campus or offshore. One nursing major recently told him her volunteer work has brought focus to her career goals. “The Alternative Spring Break program is the most impactful on students because they’re gone for a week and serving,” said Deal. “She had done multiple alternative break trips and all had something to do with working with children. She told me, ‘I have been struggling for so long with what I want to do with my nursing major, and these trips have solidified for me that I want to be a pediatric nurse. I want to work with children.’
“That’s a great statement to say that this out-of-classroom experience has helped me figure out what I really want to do with my degree,” said Deal. “That’s what we’re all about.”
Likewise, those who receive assistance are often profoundly touched by the student’s efforts. Their work helps individuals and agencies progress in ways they otherwise could not.
After a group worked in the Bahamas last year, Bahamian parents of current Georgia Southern students made a request. “They told us, ‘We so much appreciate what you are doing,’” said Deal. “‘Would you allow us to set up opportunities here because there’s so much that can make an impact.’ I said, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ Right now, the Bahamian students on campus are planning our Bahamas trip. They’re going to pick who we work with to provide the most benefit for the entire community.”
To learn more about community service efforts by University students along with photos and student profiles and service opportunities, please visit www.georgiasouthern.edu/communityservice.