Buckeyes Give

On Saturday April 6, 2019, I volunteered through Ohio State’s Alumni Association for four hours to go throughout Columbus and volunteer at various sites. I was assigned to travel to Goodwill Whitehall to offer my services around the store. Goodwill Columbus’ mission is to raise funds and awareness to allow individuals who may have a mental or physical barrier the ability to retain a job. Throughout the course of my time, I helped remove product that had been on the selves for an extended amount of time. This was done by checking dates and colors of the tags that were on the products in order to determine if the product was to be removed or not. I have learned that I shouldn’t take anything I have for granted because it can be taken away in the blink of an eye. Volunteering has impacted me by opening my eyes to another aspect of diversity that not many individuals are exposed to. This has impacted me as a leader by showing me how everyone should be treated equal and given equal opportunites to succeed in life despite any barriers that may be holding them back. I have also learned that a good leader doesn’t make quick judgements about an individual and will take the time to understand their situation. Because of service learning, I am more aware of social issues and how they impact individuals and their families. I am also more aware of ways to alleviate some social issues and how to handle a situation when one is to arise involving social issues.

Dunn Dash Triathlon

On Saturday March 2, 2019, I volunteered four hours at the Dunn Dash Triathlon. The Dunn Dash Triathlon is a small indoor triathlon in which individuals can test their physical ability and honors the founder of the Sports and Wellness Scholars program, J. Michael Dunn. Proceeds from the Triathlon benefit the J. Michael Dunn Fund for Student Professional Development. During the triathlon, I was stationed at the pool where I would keep track of how many laps the individual in my lane had swam during the allotted time period. I also turned in all the time cards from each heat so final scores could be tallied. I have learned that understanding the roots of an organization that I represent is important. I have also learned that I really enjoy volunteering and bringing awareness to causes that have large impacts on Ohio State and the individuals involved. Volunteering at the Dunn Dash Triathlon has impacted me as leader by teaching me about J. Michael Dunn and how he was leader, pushing me to make the impact that he did. Because of service learning, I am aware that there are multpile ways to be leader without being demanding or telling others what to do or how to think. There are several different types of leaders and determining which one an individual is allows them to lead to their max potential. I also learned that there’s several ways to make an impact on an individual even if it’s the smallest of acts.

Buckeyethon

On Saturday February 10, 2019, I particpated in Ohio State’s Buckeython. Buckeyethon is a 24-hour long dance marathon that raises awareness and funds to treat children who have been diagnosed with pediatric cancer. There were two 12-hour shifts in which an individual could participate. My shift was 10am-10pm on Saturday. During my shift, I had to stand for the whole 12 hours to symbolize the continuous fight that children with pediatric cancer go through everyday. I was assigned a team color that represented a kid or kids. Throughout my shift there were multiple opportunities to raise more funds and awareness as well as meet the kid(s) that I was representing. There was also several activities to particpate in such as GAGA ball, silent disco, rave hour, zoo animals, and dodgeball. I have learned that I am very passionate about bringing awareness to cancer and helping find a cure in any way that I can. Participating in Buckeyethon has impacted me as a leader in a way that allows me to be apart of something that is bigger than just myself. Cancer is a global epidemic that has affected many individuals directly and their families indirectly. Buckeyethon has allowed me to help aid those individuals in ways that are accessible to me. Because of service I am able to make a small difference that has a huge impact.