Students endure many hours of lecture and instruction. We are told how, where, why, when and what to do and are rarely given the opportunity to act on everything told to us.
We are taught how to be Christian leaders once we leave school, but in all the learning that takes place during school, we take little initiative to act on our own.
If students are to go into the world and make a difference, some of that must begin here.
Plenty of student organizations make great strides in reaching out and becoming actively involved. Social clubs, the Students’ Association and classes do a great deal in acting rather than talking.
However, individuals by themselves do little to take initiative and make a difference. Many talk of great plans and visions, but rarely does something quantifiable come of it.
Last week’s “Dining Hall Fast” is a great example of a student following through with her ideas.
Kelly Dennis, junior English major from Houston, organized the fast to benefit Oxfam, an international group whose goal is to relieve the stress of poverty. Dennis’ fast took meal plans or Bean Bucks and donated them to the organization while students who participated ate nothing after sliding their card.
Dennis said 192 students slid their cards. Two dollars from each meal plan went to Oxfam, the rest went to covering the overhead cost for the Bean and Aramark. About 30 people also made cash donations totaling around $175. The total amount donated is still unsure because the meal plan and Bean Buck donations are not calculated.
According to Dennis, just $20 is enough to feed a family of four in Ethiopia for six months.
Dennis said she wants to make people uncomfortable, even if just a little. By sliding an ID card and getting nothing in return, Dennis said she wants students to think about the people they are helping.
Dennis’ lead sets a great example for other students to follow through on ideas. The success from the “Dining Hall Fast” proves ideas can become real.
Who knows how many ideas have died because of doubts in their idea. People can make a difference, but not when they give up before trying.
Don’t be afraid to make people uncomfortable. Only through being uncomfortable can we see how comfortable we are.
