One of the requirements here at Alvernia University is to complete and document 40 hours of community service before graduation. 40 hours over four years divvies out to 10 hours a year. That is close to nothing over the span of eight 15 week semesters. Not only is it next to nothing, the documentation process is fairly simple. Filling out a form on the Holleran Center for Community Involvement’s page on Alvernia’s website takes no longer than 10 minutes. In the, say, 43 hours it takes all together to sign up for hours, complete the hours and fill out documentation forms, you will learn enlightening things about yourself and the world around you.
Over my four years at Alvernia, I have completed close to 300 hours of service. I probably could have gotten 300 if I hadn’t been negligent in documenting all of my hours. Some of these hours were completed over the summer (that’s a convenient way to do some) and others were completed doing things for the Reading and Alvernia Community. Regardless, I got a lot out of the service wherever I volunteered.
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I volunteered a lot of my hours at a recovery house local to my area. This was not only fulfilling service hours for Alvernia, it was also exposing me to women who experienced addiction first hand and who were often willing to talk to me about their experiences. I am so often thankful for these ladies who helped me to understand what it’s like to work their way back to their fullest and best potential after falling on some hard times. This is relevant to my major, behavioral health with a concentration in addiction studies, and I hope I impacted the women I spoke with, and sometimes still keep in touch with, as much as they impacted me.
I had the opportunity to volunteer at races and meets. This was another experience where my interests were catered to. I helped out with CYO meets that were hosted at the university and Wounded Warrior 5ks where Alvernia was the venue. I loved encouraging people and seeing some people complete a race for the first time in their lives. Not only was I doing something purposeful with my time, but it was also something fun and interesting to me.
Being on a sports team, we have the chance to complete hours as a team. We often helped with parking at a local Halloween parade. Although I often regretted not wearing more layers, these were some of my favorite service hours during the school year because I was without a doubt surrounded by some of my best friends.
Service hours don’t have to be a drag or intimidating, although 40 hours might sound daunting to some at first. It is important to choose hours that will be purposeful in the community and relevant to you. When you are enjoying the service you’re doing it is evident. I know I did most of my hours happily and I hope that made a difference to the people I interacted with. I don’t mean to come off as self-righteous or making service hours out to be more than helping the community but service can be fun and enriching. So, if you have the option, choose something that benefits both you and the community so the people around you get to volunteer with a happy person and bonus, you enjoy doing it too!
