Saturday, April 1 was a special day at the University of Oklahoma. No, there was not a big April Fools Day Prank. Something big, something that made a difference, something that had an impact on the Norman, Oklahoma community happened. Over 6,000 students woke up bright and early and came together to make a difference.
April 1 was Big Event at the University of Oklahoma. It is a day where various student groups from all other campus go to various job sites and do whatever is needed of them around the Norman area.
Bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning we all met in the North Oval to check in and get pumped up for the big day ahead of us. After the opening ceremony, we were all off to our various job sites.
I had the privilege of volunteering with my sorority, Alpha Phi, and Kappa Sigma. We went to Roosevelt Elementary school and we specifically worked on their outdoor learning area, Praire Rose.
We spent the day clearing dead limbs, picking up trash, planting flowers, laying gravel, painting bird houses and setting up bird feeders around the area in order to create a great environment for all the kids that learn in that area and the wildlife that inhabit it.
There is something pretty special about getting the opportunity to serve the community with some of the people that you love.
College life is hectic. It is a time full of exams, projects, finding new friends, keeping up relationships, taking care of yourself, getting involved on campus and a whole lot more. It seems like every second of our college career is accounted for because of how busy we always are. Life gets busy, but it is incredibly important that we dedicate time to volunteer.
When I came to college, the main thing I heard, and still hear, is that we are here to "find ourselves." What does that even mean? I honestly do not even know what it fully means. Except, I can say that one way to "find yourself" is to do something for someone else. Step outside of your own bubble and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
You will "find yourself" when you give back. One of the best ways to find what you are truly passionate about is to check out all of the places to volunteer around you. That is how you will discover more about who you are and what you are all about.
I hope days like Big Event at the University of Oklahoma will inspire students to really get out there and make an impact in Norman and even the world. Not only will it help you, but it will actually make a difference in the lives of others as well.
I am so proud of my university! Boomer Sooner!
