Student Development embraces volunteerism

On the break of National Day of Service, the Multicultural Services have organized a week of events to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. The event entitled “Human Rights Week 2013, Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” offers various avenues for students to give back to their communities. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates his legacy. Every year individuals and groups across the country gather to serve their communities.

Shontesa Jones, coordinator of the Multicultural Services, scheduled a series of events to inspire volunteerism and teamwork.

The message she would like to pass on to students at these events coincides with a famous statement made by Martin Luther King Jr. in which he said “Life most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

“The purpose of the event is just to give back to the community,” Jones said. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was big on coming together for volunteering and helping each other. So, instead of just contributing or remembering him by walking, we are actually going to do some servicing by giving back to our fellow community.”

Jones said after the events, Student Development would be delivering a survey to see how students experienced Human Rights Week.

“I don’t believe in having a service event without people actually feeling like they are doing something,” Jones said. “Some people have service events just to have them, but I want people to feel like they are actually giving back to the community and feel like they are actually helping someone.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING
JR. DAY OF SERVICE

On Monday morning, several students made their way to Wichita Falls Food Bank to lend a hand with the sorting of food items for distribution to families and individuals in need. From cleaning cans to making boxes, and even separating foods, less than 15 students participated.

“I had so much fun because I learned how easy it is to give back to the community,” said nursing major Chilee Chukwuzubelu. “It was an eye opener for me and from this experience I feel like I need to do more.  I am much more aware that there are people starving out there, so the little I can do to contribute, I will.”

Christianah Oobukoma, who also volunteered, said this was her first time working in the Food Bank.

“It was fun for me,” Oobukoma said. “I actually find it very fascinating because I was able to arrange food going to homeless places. And, being able to arrange that is really making me happy because I cannot help them with money.  I can at least help them arrange something that is going to go in their body and stuff.  Also, meeting people was really fun for me.”

DIFFERENT FLAVOR
ORGANIZATION SHOWCASE

The Different Flavor Organization Showcase was on Tuesday.  Its aim was to encourage students to sign up for organizations of their interest, while enjoining free cake, hot chocolate and music.

Several campus organizations were present encouraging students to sign up and be a part of a group geared towards volunteerism.

“We are trying to get people to join and see what we are about,” said Spanish Club member Luzmila Moreno. “We are about multicultural events, helping the community and doing volunteer work around campus.”

Adrinana Madrigal, member of Kappa Delta Chi, said her group has a similar purpose.

“We are here to be a part of the Different Flavors Showcase, and to represent Kappa Delta Chi, said nursing major Adrinana Madrigal. We are hoping to get people to come and enjoy the Multicultural Greek Council and also get to know the fraternities and sororities and hopefully join us.”

The initiatives made by the Multicultural Services to organize these events have highlighted the importance of volunteering in the community. It has also inspired more students to serve their communities.

The event continues this week with Volunteer Counts on Jan. 23; Film: Angry Men Jan. 24; and Back to School Bash on Jan. 25.