As a member of the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, we place emphasis on leadership and the different forms it can take. Leadership allows us to stand out, providing incredible opportunities. Part of being a leader is being connected and giving back to one’s community. This semester I have pushed myself outside my comfort zone in order to give back to those around me. Several opportunities that have allowed me to dedicate my time to others includes a service trip to Atlanta, Georgia, participating in Buckeyethon, and the Dunn Dash indoor triathlon.
A group of Dunn Scholars went to Atlanta, Georgia for five days over winter break to provide service for a local soup kitchen and a foster ranch for boys. The group of us dedicated one day to helping one of local soup kitchens where we helped prepare and serve lunch while being able to interact with the homeless. Being able to provide a fresh cooked meal to those in need and sitting down with them to learn their stories as well as experiences are moments that are truly special to both parties. Additionally, we spent several days at Goshen Valley Foster Boys Ranch. During our time at Goshen Valley we cleaned and painted the bedrooms for the boys. Once the boys would come home from school we were able to play sports with them and talk to them allowing us to learn more about each of them. Being close in age to several of the boys was extremely eye opening as to how different our lives were as well as intense obstacles they have had to overcome which also made me realize how much I can take for granted in my day to day life. Returning to Ohio from my experiences in Atlanta filled me with a new outlook on how different each and every person is as well as the urge to continue providing service for my community.
On feburday 9th and 10th I participated in Buckeyethon which is the biggest student run philanthropy at Ohio State that raises money for pediatric cancer at Nationwide Hospital in Columbus. This dance marathon is split into two 12 hour shifts full of activities ranging from dancing to interacting with kids and their families who have been impacted by pediatric cancer. Donating time and money to this cause was one thing, but being able to meet and speak with families who have personally been impacted by pediatric cancer brings strong emotions. The strength and courage these children have at such a young age pushes me to be as tough and hopeful as they are. The most touching part of participating in Buckeyethon would be spending the time with the children and knowing that I am making their day as they are inspiring me.
Later on in the spring semester I volunteered at the Dunn Dash indoor triathlon. Throughout the event I was assisting in checking participants in for the running event. Due to the running portion being the first event, there were moments of “down time” where I was able to get to know some participants and set goals for the amount of laps they wanted to complete. In order to maintain an enthusiastic environment I would cheer for the participant whom I was keeping score for and encourage them to continue towards their goal. I was lucky to have many of the participants to come back to me and tell me what they thought of the event and how the biking and swimming portion went. A majority of the participants were grateful for all the positive energy and connections they were able to make throughout the triathlon and were already looking forward to next year’s. Knowing I played a part in motivating people throughout the event as well as returning to do it again encourages me to continue being an uplifting person in all that I do.
Throughout the last semester of my first year at Ohio State, I was able to gain lots of knowledge through my volunteering experiences and service learning. I was able to gain 38 total volunteer hours with the breakdown being 21 hours of service in Atlanta, Georgia, 12 hours at Buckeyethon, and 6 hours at the Dunn Dash. Via these opportunities and the ability to speak with numerous amounts of different types of people ranging in ages, I gained a bigger outlook on life, my surroundings, and ultimately fulfilling me with an even bigger urge to help others.