Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

Wishing everyone a healthy, safe, and charitable New Year! What are your plans and resolutions for 2015?

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The Secret Santa

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and is looking to kick-off the holiday season! With winter approaching and the holidays nearing, there is no doubt that people will shop and travel to various places around the country. However, there is a lot more to the holidays than just shopping and traveling. 

For me, the holiday season is my favorite time of year. Not only do I get to relax with my family and friends and enjoy the seasonal traditions, including tree lighting ceremonies and ice skating, but I also get to spend time giving back to those in need of holiday cheer. 

There are countless ways to volunteer and help others during the holiday season. Whether you want to spend one hour of your day or three days of the week helping others to have a merry holiday, here are three easy ways to lend a helping hand in your community.

1) Food banks - Volunteering at food banks or community kitchens is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you can have during the holidays. Many soup kitchens have volunteers prepare and serve warm meals to those in the community who are in need. I have learned that volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens allows you to learn about the needs of a community and how the community is working to combat those needs.

2) Toy drives - If you enjoy shopping, buy toys that you are able to donate to a community toy drive. For instance, toy drives such as Toys for Tots, provide toys for less-fortunate children in the community. The program collects unused and unwrapped toys to bring the holiday spirit to children. I truly enjoy donating to toy drives because I believe that each child should be able to receive a gift during the holiday season. I hope that more people can donate to toy drives and help make the holidays enjoyable and memorable for every child in need. 

3) Clothes donations - Winter can also serve as a time when people clean out their closets in preparation for Spring. If you are thinking about cleaning out your closet and throwing away old clothes, why not take those clothes and donate them to a local charity or thrift shop? Often, local schools and community organizations will host clothing drives that allow people to donate gently used clothes ranging from shoes to coats to accessories. There are also thrift stores located within communities that re-sell donated and used clothes. Every article of clothing - whether you believe the item is useable or not - should be donated because the charities eventually sort the donations and still receive money for clothing they recycle. My incredible opportunity with The Rescue Mission last fall allowed me to learn about the donation process and how organizations handle donated items that are unable to be sold or used. 

Amidst shopping for loved ones and traveling to visit family, make a difference this holiday season and spread love, warmth, and the gift of giving to those in need. 

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"Stand By You"

As move-in day creeps in for many college first-year students, it is no surprise that everyone is nervous, anxious, and shy --- it's a big step into the "real world". In honor of my role as Jumpstart leader and a fun weekend ahead, I chose to share with you guys a song by Carrie Underwood called "Stand By You," which was originally performed by The Pretenders. I am beyond excited to act as a peer mentor and a role model for those looking to start off their college experience with a whole lot of memories. 

This weekend is dedicated to upperclassmen helping first-year students move-in, get settled, and make friends. I believe this song expresses the true meaning of giving back; for, we don't only have to give back to the community at select times for a set number of days per year, but we can count on each other through community service and through the everyday connections we make with those around us.

Here are the lyrics, enjoy! 

"I'll Stand By You"

[Originally performed by The Pretenders]

Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads 
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

Oh I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/illstandbyyou.html

"Lean on Me"

The beginning of summer marks a time where we can be stress-free and have fun! But summer is also the time to get outdoors and engage in new experiences, including being more involved in your community. Summer is perfect for meeting new people, whether they will become acquaintances, friends, or family. Here's a song that relates to helping others and building strong relationships with those you meet --- check out the song lyrics to Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and adventure out to meet new people!

"Lean on Me"

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me uh-huh)
Call me (When you need a friend)
Call me (If you ever need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/billwithers/leanonme.html

Moving Out

What a busy past few weeks! As I finish up my last semester of freshman year at college, I first wanted to give a shout out to all of the wonderful people I have met throughout the year. From orientation to the end of freshman year, I have been blessed to meet amazing friends who I know I can always count on. I thank IC for giving me some awesome opportunities over the past two semesters, and for helping me find a passion and happiness in giving back to the community! 

As college students prepare to move-out of dorms and return home for the summer, I have decided to compile a list of ways to help out fellow peers and families pack up for the trip home. 

• Visit your friends and offer a helping hand - It is always best to ask if they need help packing, even if they turn you down. By offering your time and lending a hand, it will make the move-out process go way faster.
• Load items into their car - No matter what, everything in the dorm needs to go, so why not help pack up a car? This will allow friends to pack more efficiently and effectively.
• Provide refreshments and snacks - Packing always makes you hungry and tired! Bring your peers a snack or offer some refreshments. 
• Be conversational - With so many families coming in and out of the dorm, the room can become crowded and awkward. To suppress some of the awkwardness, provide conversation with your friends' families -- chances are, you've met them a couple of times, so it won't be too awkward.
• Give thanks to faculty - As we prepare to say goodbye to friends for the summer, be sure to also give thanks to those who have been your leaders and mentors throughout the year. Whether it is a custodian, residential assistant, or professor, everyone has taken care of you in some way. Be sure to thank them before officially moving out.

Moving out is always bittersweet, especially when you've grown accustomed to calling your dorm "home." Best of luck to the graduating class of 2014 and I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! 

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Spread the Love

Valentine's Day is almost here! A celebration of love and appreciation for those around you have translated into showering each other with gifts, flowers, and an endless amount of chocolates, but why not spread the love with more than just gifts? Why not go out and celebrate Valentine's Day with meaning? In celebration of the holiday, here are 5 ways to spread the love this weekend:

1) Spend a little extra on tips! Whether you're out with friends for dinner or are out on a date with that special someone, try tipping the waiter or waitress a little extra cash. Rather than tipping the usual 10-15%, try leaving 20% (after all, they could have their own plans for Valentine's Day, but are spending their time serving you). Your waiter or waitress will appreciate the extra cash and it will put a smile on their faces!

2) Send out special Valentines! Be it a family member, best friend, or significant other, send your loved ones a hand-made Valentine to let them know you care. Valentines can be crafted and designed for each unique individual thanking them for being them. While you're at it, why not send Valentines to random people you don't know? It might make someone's day and let them know that they are loved, too. 

3) Volunteer in the community! The best way to spread the love this weekend is to sign up for a local volunteer opportunity. Grab a couple friends, travel to a local organization or charity, and get ready to lend a helping hand. You not only show the community you care, but also get to have fun and meet new people in the process!

4) Reconcile your differences! Valentine's Day is all about letting someone know you care, so call up an old friend or family member and reconcile your differences. If there have been hostile relations between you, talk it out. Let them know what's on your mind and make up for the lost time. The best relationships can come from those with the biggest regrets.

5) And finally, love yourself! After taking the time to appreciate others, spread the love, volunteer, and amend broken relationships, why not take time for yourself? You deserve to be pampered and loved, too. So take some time to indulge in your passions. Who knows? Maybe you will discover something new about yourself or find a new favorite hobby. 

"If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love" ~ Maya Angelou

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