Service trips are amazing opportunities Saint Michael’s College offers to students. It is never too late to go on one and this year I went on my very first service trip ever! It was quite the experience if you ask me and here’s why you should go on one too!
-
You’re helping others
-
Whether it’s serving food to those in need, building a home for those who have lost theirs, or playing with a fluffy pup. You are helping someone and making their day a little easier and better.
-
-
You’ll be feelin’ accomplished
-
I wasn’t sure how much work we would get done in just a week, but by the end I was feeling quite accomplished. We had dugout trenches, put a wall up, dug mounds and filled holes in dog runs, cleared pathways for pigs, and so much more.
-
-
Remember the littlest things can go a long way
-
Since we were at an animal sanctuary there were times where we were just playing with some little cuties. We would feel guilty, but our trip leader would remind us how important it is to give these animals the love and attention they need. We were also giving their caregivers a break and a chance to focus on other matters that needed to be addressed.
-
-
You’ll learn the value of teamwork
-
The sanctuary doesn’t have a lot of workers so volunteers are a huge help. Tasks that usually take them sometimes a week, our team accomplished within an hour or so. It might have been something as small as weeding, but when is comes to weeding out several runs, teamwork is necessary for efficiency.
-
-
Go somewhere you might have never planned to go and experience a new culture
-
I have never been past Nashville and certainly never been to the desert. Through the service trip I was able to experience a new terrain and culture as well as really appreciate the beauty and diversity of our country.
-
-
Good for the soul
-
This is the obvious one, but service trips really are a soul booster and you’ll leave the trip feeling good for going out and helping your fellow humans and cute creatures.
-
-
It’ll motivates you to do more than the everyday mumbo jumbo
-
I find myself checking my phone less and going out and getting involved more. There is so much we can say and do to better ourselves and others if we just open our eyes and get out there.
-
-
You can learn a lot from animals
-
Animals live in the moment and have little stress or care. When a cat loses a leg, it may slow down a little, but it keeps walking and playing like all the other cats. Animals are also so forgiving. The animals at this sanctuary have been through so much, some by the hands of humans, yet they are the most kindest and loving creatures I have ever encountered.
-
Hopefully this article got you thinking about ways to get involved in the world through your college, so stop reading this article and start livin and lovin my dudes!