An integral part to the success of our society is community service. No matter if you are living at home, living at college, or living on your own, there are always other people that can benefit from your ability to help.

Saving the world is not in most people’s itineraries for the day. Though there are countless individuals around the world that desperately need aid, lending a helping hand in your own community is often easier then you may think.

Here at Quinnipiac there are an array of organizations on campus that allow for students with all types of interests to get involved and lend a helping hand.

I realize that there are many people that can benefit from my ability to give back to the community. I am fortunate enough to have a healthy lifestyle that allows me to live without many restrictions.

Last year I learned about the Albert Schweitzer Institute’s alternative spring break trip to Nicaragua. Knowing that I would be able to travel to a different country as well as provide assistance and aid to poverty stricken families and children, I realized it was something I wanted to accomplish.

Fortunately after applying, I was one of the students selected to go on the trip this year. This alternative spring break is just one way to bring relief to people in need.

This year I have also became familiar with a group on campus called Skiers Unlimited (see p.4). Throughout January and February, there are a handful of students that travel each Friday to Mount Southington ski area, in order to teach children with disabilities, such as autism, how to ski.

I immediately realized that this program was a perfect fit for me. I first get to do one of my favorite activities which is to ski. In addition, I get the opportunity to teach children, who might otherwise never get the chance, how to cruise on the mountain. It is a rewarding group that brings success, smiles and satisfaction to each individual involved. If you love carving down the white face of a mountain, consider joining Skiers Unlimited.

Coming up this spring semester, there are also other opportunities that allow students to support the community. On April 5 into April 6, Quinnipiac will be having a Relay for Life event in the Rec. Center. Relay for Life is an event that raises money as well as awareness to support the American Cancer Society and their efforts to eliminate cancer. The event starts on April 5 and goes overnight into April 6.

Now if you still do not think you have found a way to give back to the community, there are several other ways in which you can do so here at Quinnipiac.

The Office of Community Service is an organization that often offers several alternative spring break trips for Quinnipiac students to go on. This year they have two different spring break trips that students will be attending.

One of the trips will be traveling to Pittsboro, N.C. in order to work with the Chatham Habitat for Humanity.

The second trip will be going to Northampton, Mass. in order to help with the Camp Norwich YMCA. While there, students will help with trail building activities as well as other construction to get the camp ready for this summer.

Here at Quinnipiac there are a variety of organizations that provide students with the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

It is time for each of us to step up and make a difference in the community, no matter how big or small. Let’s all put in the effort, and lend a helping hand.