There are numerous opportunities to volunteer both on and off campus, and several Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are dedicated specifically to community service.
For Ferris pre-pharmacy junior Alyssa Cosselmon, her passions for animals and volunteering are combined in Pet Savers, the service RSO she is currently president of.
“I like volunteering because I like knowing that I’m doing something worthwhile and helping those that need it,” Cosselmon said.
Many service RSOs host events throughout the year, making it easy for students to get involved and get service hours. Circle K International runs a haunted house every year, which attracted many of the current members to join the organization.
“The haunted house is definitely a big draw. It’s a great way to get community service hours and it’s a fun way to interact with the community,” Ferris biology senior and Circle K president Paige Kramer said. “The people kept me around, though. We have a good laugh at meetings.”
For Kramer, giving back is personal.
“I grew up here so I’ve seen the need in Big Rapids. What I like most about Circle K is that we focus on helping the community and it’s really nice to give back,” Kramer said.
Another upcoming service opportunity for students is the blood drive sponsored by Kappa Psi, the Health Care Management Association and Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Honor Society.
Volunteering also provides another outlet for students to spend time together, according to Ferris second year pharmacy student Megan Hurst.
“With Kappa Psi, there’s quite a few of us and it gives us another way to hang out so you’re not just studying all the time. It gives you the chance to go out and do something different,” Hurst said.
“I always tell people how important it is to give back,” Hurst said. “It also looks good on resumes and you’re making a positive impact on the community at the same time.”
Students can have service hours approved for donating blood at the drive on Sept. 21 at FLITE, get involved with volunteering through Circle K and Pet Savers by attending meetings or finding information on OrgSync and Facebook, and can volunteer for multiple activities or learn about volunteer opportunities by signing up in the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services (CLACS) Office.