Our Turn

"Our Turn" is a weekly feature expressing views on issues of concern to the campus community. It is written by members of The Etownian staff representing the opinion of the entire editorial board. It is not meant to reflect the opinions of the College as a whole.

‘Tis the season to be merry! Thanksgiving is next week and the rest of the holiday season is just around the corner. The holiday season is in full-swing, and the words volunteer and donate have been heard more and more. Etown’s motto is Educate for Service. Students have been taking the motto seriously, and each year there are more ways of helping the community during this merry time of year.

We are fortunate to be part of such a beautiful campus that is decorated for the holiday season. It is easy for simple things in life to pass us by —such as donating a can of food to a church or shelter. A college can turn into an artificial community if actions are not taken to integrate the members of campus with the surrounding communities. The College has many programs that encourage volunteering. Such as the SDLCs (Student Directed Learning Communities) and Into the Streets. The College has close relationships with the Masonic Homes and ManorCare —making it easy for a club to organize a service project.

Elizabethtown College strives for success in its graduates, but also realizes that those individuals need to interact with the under-privileged to put in perspective how valuable a college education can be. The clubs on campus have done an excellent job in the past, and have continued the tradition this year by hosting events such as caroling, collecting food and the adopt-an-angel program. Fun cannot be overlooked. Volunteering is very satisfying, and a good stress-reliever. Watching the smiles on people’s faces will help cure the blues before final exams and the countdown to go home!

These activities are important to the nature of the academic institution, as well as helping to shape well-rounded graduates from a liberal-arts college. More activities are always available, and clubs should continue to volunteer their time after the holidays are over. Nevertheless, if you have any clothing you do not wear anymore — donate it! Give away that extra food you’ve had on your shelves since August! Show a child how special the holidays can be, and make a wish come true. Holidays are about giving and receiving, so give a small gift and receive something better than a gift — a warm feeling in your heart for making someone’s day special.