A couple hours a week of simple community service can add to your living and soon enough it will not be community service as much as it will become part of weekly routine. On Tuesday, February 28, from 4:30-6 in Meeting Room 5, my club, Commuters on the Go hosted an Afternoon of Service where the main service project was creating tote bags. The task was fairly simple; align two pieces of cloth and sew three sides together, then attach a handle. However, the effect was lasting. Seeing how easily a small group of people could create 10-15 tote bags in a little over an hour was magnifying and although these bags may serve no regular purpose for those creating the bags, they make a large impact for the homeless people to whom they were being donated to. Rather than simply donating food or money which is a short-period expense, this clothing bag lasts forever and serves as a substitute to plastic bags or carts and helps develop a sense of security for personal items. Following the service session, there was a reflection which helped to open all our minds and hearts regarding our opinions of homeless people. Our common perception is that these individuals are lazy and treated below the status of human for their lack of belongings which typically generate trust and security (car, house, etc.). Yet, after some thought, we all poured in ideas that these are just everyday people who have encountered slight bumps in the road and many of them do have jobs, simply just not enough to sustain a home.

This service and reflection made me understand why I go to college: not just to be educated in the sciences, but everyday issues which surround us. Days like these should be attended at least once a month to retain their purpose.