Lately, there seems to be a force that is developing on campus.

Because of the on going projects that have been popping up on campus looking at poverty, homelessness, food drives, and clothing drives,  I think the biggest subject that is being raised is ‘awareness’.   The awareness of how many people are experiencing poverty, homelessness and lack of food, transportation…the list can go on and on.

I can’t count how many times I have heard, “I had no idea,” or “I’m glad people are beginning to understand how hard it is.”

We talk a lot about students becoming civically engaged, thinking critically, and developing those ‘soft skills’ that employers are seeking.  Through the service learning projects where students are actively engaged in making a difference, some darn serious learning is taking place and the range of skills is amazing:  Learning how to conduct themselves on the phone, examining their own biases, meeting with professional individuals, discussing a topic professionally with someone that may not agree with you.

The service learning project that Melissa Sprenkle and I did with our English and Social Work class still continues on today. We developed a survey of people experiencing homelessness.  Students that I have had contact with are still attending the city commissioner’s meeting and being actively involved in Safe Harbor v. Sportsplex meetings.

Even remembering back to the Habitat for Humanity trips we used to do for an alternative spring break, students are literally transformed by truly feeling that they are making a difference.  Many of them would come back wanting to do more in our community, and have.

Many of you are familiar with the YouTube sensation Kid President.  Last year he began a program called ‘Socktoberfest’.  The mission is to have people send in pairs of socks to help those people that are living on the street.  Last year people from every state and continent were involved with over 10,000 schools, communities and businesses participating.

Just imagine if we were able to unleash the power, energy, and passion that our students have?  If we let them know that they absolutely have the power to make a difference?  And imagine if were allowed ourselves to unleash our creativity and let go of reservations and just jumped in along with our students?  Wow!