Volunteers

I volunteer because I love the feeling that I get when I serve someone. Today in class Phil talked about how he wasn't sure if what Usher and Elmo said was totally true. Usher and Elmo defined a volunteer as someone who helps someone without getting anything in return. I think that this isn't completely accurate. I know that when I serve I feel like I get more out of the experience than the person I'm serving. I guess it's a little selfish that I volunteer sometimes to feel that feeling, but that is one reason that I do.

I also volunteer because I appreciate the friendship that I gain from serving with people. There is a special relationship that is formed from serving that cannot be formed any other way. I also volunteer because I feel a responsibility to serve. I'm glad that Phil brought up the fact that over 70% of our tuition is subsidized. I love the fact that BYUSA was established as a "gift office." I feel like BYUSA is a wonderful way for students to give back, because we are all about giving back. I haven't met anyone in the office whose whole purpose is to build a resume. We all are here because we love it.

I contribute to the culture of the office by trying to exemplify the BYUSA vision and also the vision that Communications has established. We all try to make the office professional, but I also think it is important for us to be personable. I came into the BYUSA office once and I was welcomed and felt valued, but the people I talked to told me that they would contact me again and never did. I understand that they probably got very busy, but I haven't forgotten that. I want every volunteer that I talk to to feel valued and welcomed, and then I don't want to lose contact. I want everyone to have a chance to get involved and really catch the vision of what we're trying to do. If we all act as we know Christ would act, then we will go after "the one lost sheep" and make sure that everyone who comes into the office leaves a better person.

I think that we as individuals can make a bigger difference when we talk to individuals than we could if we try to do campus-wide activities. Campus events are extremely important, but I think that we can make a bigger difference when we work with individuals. We talked in class about how sometimes we can be walking on campus or at an event and still feel alone. But when we take the time to talk to individuals, we can change that. I think it is sometimes so easy to go to class, walk to the next building, attend the next class, etc. and just get caught up in our own routine. It's not that we're trying to keep to ourselves, it just is easier. But when we extend ourselves we can make a difference. I am so excited to be leading the redefine service campaigns because I believe in it. Service does not need to be huge things. Small things like smiling, holding a door, sending a nice text, etc. can be just as effective and take a lot less time. If we all engage in these small acts of service then I think that we will be building Zion here at BYU.