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Haley Partus
Sigma Kappa

“In keeping with the spirit of the Auburn family, the BIG Event enables students to make a difference through selfless service to our ever-supportive community.”

This is the mission statement from 2012’s BIG Event.

Over my past three years as an Auburn student, I have participated in the BIG Event, so naturally this year was no different. The 10th annual BIG Event rolled around and I was sure to be there. BIG Event, hosted by Auburn University’s Student Government Association, has supported the community by giving back in ways that students ordinarily would not have the opportunity to.

Kyla Wilkinson, this year’s director, says, “As an Auburn student, my love for Auburn runs deeper than football or for this university as an institution, the Auburn experience is a community affair. I love Auburn for its atmosphere and its people, for that intangible thing we call the Auburn Spirit. As students, we are blessed to go to a university surrounded by a community that is as supportive as the Auburn/Opelika area. The BIG Event is our opportunity to say “Thank you” to our Auburn family by giving back to the community we love so much. Our mission is simple, One Big Family. One Big Difference. One BIG Event.” This is so powerful to me.

After volunteering with BIG Event, it got me thinking. We are so extremely lucky to go to Auburn. I have never thought about it before and I’m not entirely sure what made me choose Auburn, but for some reason I was drawn here. I am from Atlanta and I have seen all sorts of hardships, but not once has the city been fortunate enough to unite together to work toward giving back. Although there is no comparison between the size of the two cities, I wish that there was some way to make a big change where I am from. The BIG Event in Auburn allows students to express their graciousness by making small improvements around the town like power washing, trimming shrubs, painting and so much more. My personal experience through the BIG Event has shown me just how wonderful the people surrounding me are and how I sometimes can get caught up in the college bubble and fail to notice the world around me.

The best part about Auburn is the pure compassion people have for the town and university. After taking part in a volunteer program that has remained strong for 10 years, I know what keeps everything in motion, and that is the people.  With a community that supports the university and students that recognize that support, we are bound to keep Auburn one of the greatest places to live.

Whether it’s chopping down trees or painting a house, there is always some small change we can make in someone’s life to make a huge difference. Now I just have to figure out what that small change will be. 

Haley is a junior studying public relations. You may contact her at hap0004@auburn.edu.