Heavy homework loads and demanding clubs and sports fill students’ days, and whatever free time is left must be split between social life and sleep. When juggling academics, extracurriculars and social commitments, it can be easy to get stuck within the Colgate University bubble and lose touch with the community around you. That is why service can and should play such a vital role in our college experience.
The Friends of Manlius House (FMH) is an organization that volunteers at Manlius House. Located in Manlius, N.Y., Manlius House is a group home that provides assisted living services for senior citizens and adults with developmental disabilities. Students participating in FMH visit Manlius House every week as “friends” of the house to spend time with the residents. They join the senior citizens in activities such as eating snacks and playing games. FMH is led by four students: seniors Campbell Swift and Eden Miller and juniors Lena May and Nora Eckert.
The leaders all had different motivations when joining FMH. Colgate offers a myriad of organizations and clubs for which students can volunteer, and the journey that leads each student to an organization is a highly personal one. Miller described her choice to volunteer with FMH as an extension of something she was already passionate about and an avenue to explore a potential career.
“[I love] volunteering with people with developmental disabilities, and I have this kind of new interest in working with senior citizens, so I felt like what a perfect way to combine the two,” Miller said.
Not all leaders joined the group because of a pre-existing interest. Eckert’s choice to sign up for FMH was inspired by her desire to try something new.
“[I] got involved because I knew I wanted to participate in a service club, and [FMH] was really interesting to me when I attended the club fair!” Eckert said.
Undoubtedly, service allows us to make an impact on people other than ourselves. Often, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is being able to see the difference it makes for those you are trying to help. FMH volunteers find joy, satisfaction and meaning in their work brightening the days of the residents. When reflecting on her most memorable moments while volunteering for FMH, Miller spoke about something a resident told her after their holiday-themed visit to the manor.
“One of the residents said, ‘This was the most Christmas spirit and cheer I have had in years,’” Miller said.
The leaders stressed the important role volunteering at FMH has played for all of them. The organization has made a profound impact on their time as Colgate students.
“Volunteering is a key part of my college experience,” Eckert said.
They also highlighted the importance of getting to know people who share the surrounding area with Colgate students.
“As a member of the Hamilton community, I think it is important to be close with the people who live here full-time and know how they feel and build those relationships,” Swift said.
Miller shared advice that she would give to other Colgate students contemplating participating in volunteer service.
“There’s beauty in doing things that you aren’t sure about or are not incredibly confident you will like,” Miller said.
The leaders emphasized that it is easy to have the daily requirements of college life occupy all of your energy and efforts. However, Miller stressed the importance of life outside of academics at Colgate, and the value in participating in the betterment of the community.
“Even if it’s just going once a month or as often as you can, it’s a good way to recharge, get away from the craziness of academics and Colgate and just [exist],” Miller said.
