What’s Up: Hays directs Rowan students to service opportunities

On the last day of January, I was sitting in the backseat of a full car heading two hours north.

I was in a new, semi-formal outfit, on my way to a celebration, social event and service project that featured no kegstands, beerpong or mischief.

It was the annual winter social for New Jersey’s district of Circle K, an international organization committed to service and volunteerism.

While college students often receive a bad rap in the media and public discourse, a significant number of students participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and hobbies that challenge and reward us.

Since my first semester at Rowan University, I’ve been a proud member of Circle K. One has to be dedicated just to make it to their weekly Monday meetings in the student center at 9:15 p.m.

Never have I regretted missing “good television” to stay late at a meeting to write letters to hospital patients or been disappointed that I spent hours on a weekend painting a local neurohealth center.

The friendships that I’ve made, the fun that I’ve had and the fulfillment that I’ve felt when I participate makes helping others a welcome choice, not a chore.

I know that I am not alone in feeling this way. I regularly receive online invitations from friends and classmates to fundraisers for Greek organizations, benefits for sports teams, events for clubs and arts performances on-campus.

Rowan University offers an array of outlets where students can be creative citizens.

One club is preparing its second annual performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” an event that raises funds for worthy causes and provides entertainment for those in attendance.

Another club offers a forum to help other students with their studies in a safe and fun setting.

When passing your classmates on-campus, there’s a good chance that the majority of them participate in a community or school-based group.

Though our schedules are demanding, I encourage all students to tell others about the causes you are involved in at Rowan University. I guarantee there are many organizations that may interest you that you did not know existed.

Each student can try new things and tailor their free time to participate in activities that enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Though it’s impossible to do everything, everyone can have an impact on our on-campus community by bringing their brains, abilities and personalities to some of the groups present at Rowan.

When I look back at my college career, I may regret a late night or two at a bar, but I’ll never regret the hours spent helping others and knowing that I was making a difference.