To me, engagement in service is necessary for our society to function properly. Because there are a lot of uncertainties in life, communities face hardships that can’t always be predicted or repaired by the people that reside in those communities. Additionally, all resources are scarce, which makes it difficult to make sure that everyone has an equal amount. Sometimes a group of people who lack resources needs to borrow some from a group of people who have an abundance of resources, whether it be time, money, material things, or otherwise, and those people who have an abundance of resources need to be willing to donate some of their excesses. Throughout the first year that I’m in the Advocates for Communities and Education Scholars Program, I plan to do a significant amount of service. I am most passionate about issues involving children and animals, so I have served those communities in the time that I’ve been at The Ohio State University. The two service organizations that I have been most involved with are Pen PALS OSU and the Ohio State branch of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
For Pen PALS OSU, I write bi-weekly to the Columbus City Schools student that I have been paired with to mentor. I wrote the first entry in the journal that we share, introducing myself and asking her questions. Since then, we’ve written to each other regarding the different prompts that we were given by the organization. By writing to my mentee, I am providing her with an example of a real student who goes to Ohio State and giving her insight about what college is like. Additionally, she is able to practice her conversational writing skills. I thoroughly enjoy learning about who my mentee is and reading her responses to my questions.
For Guiding Eyes for the Blind, I have gotten the opportunity to work hands-on with potential future guide dogs and contribute to their socialization and learning of skills.
As I move forward with my college career, I will continue to work with these organizations as well as find other service opportunities for which I can contribute my resources.
