The stress of being a college student can be overwhelming, and we all find ourselves coping with it in different ways. Sometimes, we deal with stress by isolating ourselves into a routine, moving in an endless cycle from our dorms to classes to the library. But these cycles can become harmful over time, enforcing rituals that can prevent us from growing within our community. We can sometimes even find ourselves in the “Furman Bubble,” staying within the realm of campus as we do the same academic activities in the same places along with everyone else. But how can we “pop” the bubble?
Community service has the power to help us quit the toxic cycle of isolation and stagnation and more effectively cope with stress. It has the underestimated power to get people out of bed, away from a desk, and sometimes physically off of campus. It can give students a sense of purpose that extends beyond the nuclear world of Furman and push them to prioritize their community.
Engaging in community service broadens our perspective beyond the Furman Bubble. Many overlook the fact that opening ourselves up to the challenges others face is a form of self-care, contextualizing our everyday academic stressors. By shifting our focus from academic pressures to making a meaningful impact, we gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Our political climate has become increasingly polarized and volatile, leaving many feeling disempowered, helpless, and mentally drained. In a world that often feels out of our control, community service is an active way to get involved and see tangible results.
Service gives students a sense of agency in a world that often feels out of our control. Reading the news may make us feel helpless compared to the influence of executives and politicians. Community service reminds us of our ability to create positive change in our own communities. Recognizing this ability cultivates a sense of responsibility, helping us understand that even small actions can lead to greater change. By embracing our role in shaping our communities, we take an important step toward creating a real, lasting impact in the world.
I personally found community service to be an act of self-care through my experience at the Woodlands playing Bingo with senior citizens. As a college student, I rarely interact with people outside of my age group, and it was refreshing to talk to someone with more life experience. Relationships outside of student friendships are valuable because they bring students out of their comfort zone and connect them to new communities.
There are many opportunities to connect with service both on and off campus. On campus, you can connect with Heller Service Corps or the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. There are also independent volunteering opportunities in the Greenville area. Fighting for Fluffy and Fido creates shelters to house stray cat colonies throughout South Carolina, one shelter including over 40 cats. I helped build these shelters one Saturday with a couple of friends and members of Palacats. Even small clubs at Furman can get involved in impactful work, and volunteer communities outside of Furman love to hear from students and are willing to work with their schedules and provide opportunities.
As Furman students, most of us are hard workers who overload our schedules and fit every club, class, and event into our calendars. We should start penciling in community service events, intentionally taking this opportunity to connect with others, care for ourselves, and have a positive impact on our community. Service can change our perspectives of ourselves and our ability to make a positive impact. We can find a way to “pop” the Furman bubble by getting involved in our local community.
