Service at its Best: 3 Things I Learned from Getting Involved in my Lincoln Community
By Gracie Williams, English/language arts education major
When I was anticipating moving to Lincoln and starting my college career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, my mind was set on all the opportunities provided by being on campus. The vision of my college years that I dreamed up in my head consisted mostly of making friends with fellow UNL students through participating in campus organizations and enjoying on-campus experiences. While I have indeed made many memories with my friends in my a cappella group, my sorority, and my learning community, some of my favorite moments in my college career so far have happened off-campus with two students from different colleges who were my fellow coaches with the Morley Elementary School Girls on the Run program. Girls on the Run is an organization with the mission of building physically, mentally, emotionally and socially strong girls. We do so by teaching a ten-week after-school program that culminates in a celebratory 5k for the girls.
I first became involved with the Girls on the Run program when I was still in high school, as a Run Buddy for my little sister. While running the race, I couldn’t help but notice all the college students who were helping organize the event, cheering on the runners, and supporting staff members. The young men and women were such a positive force that day, and they made my little sister feel so empowered and valued. When I came to UNL, I knew I wanted to serve in the same way. I searched for the Lincoln Girls on the Run organization online, applied for a coaching position, and embarked on a life-changing journey that has taught me three impactful lessons so far…
While service may be intended to change the lives of others, it will totally change YOUR life.
The goal of the Girls on the Run program is exactly as I mentioned above: to build physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally strong girls. Of course, it is our goal to do all we can as coaches to build our girls up in these ways- to encourage and uplift their spirits and help them cultivate kindness and self-confidence. However, it was absolutely amazing how much more uplifted I felt at the end of each session of Girls on the Run. For every ounce of self I poured into the program I received back joy and fulfillment tenfold. To give oneself to a program you love soothes your soul in ways you never thought you needed, which brings me to my next point.
When it comes to volunteering, there is something for everyone!
Going into coaching the Girls on the Run program, I knew that working with young girls was something I loved and was exciting to me. I love serving others in that aspect because, to me, it does not even feel like work. However, I soon discovered that my form of volunteerism was FAR from being everyone’s preferred form of service. My roommate balked at the idea of working with Girls on the Run, as she does not like being around children. I, similarly, did not like the idea of volunteering my time to the event-planning organizations my roommate is in because I hate figuring out logistics. The point is, whether you’re a planner or a people person, a rescue animal fanatic or a multilingual person with translating abilities, there is a way that YOU can help your Lincoln community that brings you joy!
You might just meet your best friends off-campus!
Coming to UNL, I assumed I would meet my best friends on campus. However, two of my favorite people EVER that I have met throughout my college experience attend different institutions in Lincoln: Bryan College of Health Sciences and Nebraska Wesleyan. These two people are my fellow coaches Mary and Jenna, whom I grew close to during the 2019 season of Girls on the Run. I never would have met these amazing young women if it weren’t for our shared desire to make an impact in the community outside our respective institutions.
Regardless of if you are looking to complete service hours for your resumé, give your time to a worthy cause, or find new friends outside of the UNL campus, becoming involved in the Lincoln community is a choice you will not regret making. Check out the Lincoln community volunteer opportunities that the William H. Thompson Scholars program has compiled for ALL students.
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