It’s Peace Week here at Her Campus at Chapel Hill, and we’re spreading some good words and mindful tips. There’s no better time than now to talk about peace on this campus, with the events happening around Silent Sam and with the natural disasters threatening our state.
When I first started thinking about peace and what it meant to me, I initially thought of yoga, peace signs, and hippies like Jenny from “Forrest Gump.” But there’s so much more to peace than breathing exercises and marches. Promoting peace can be done in so many different ways.
My take on peace this week revolves around serving the communities around you. I grew up in an area that prided itself on lending a helping hand to those who truly need it, and my whole life has been grounded in helping others.
I am personally involved with an organization that benefits the patients and families of UNC Children’s Hospital, right here in Chapel Hill. Carolina For The Kids has allowed me to volunteer my time and help kids in the hospital feel like kids again. It also helps bring a sense of peace to the parents, letting them know that they have a large support system behind them.
But on college campuses, there are so many organizations and clubs that participate in community service. We have so many that have a specific charity they donate to, and others that help wherever they can. Now they may not be facilitating international peace treaties, but they do promote kindness and goodwill where they serve.
At UNC, we have an online directory called Heel Life that lets you search all the clubs and organizations on campus. It’s a great way to find a place to serve the community that most resonates with you!
I honestly think volunteering your time and serving people in need is a cornerstone for peace. Mindfulness and empathy are essential characteristics to have in our society right now, and keeping others in mind will help you promote peace in your own life.
UNC itself was founded with the mission of leading change to improve society and to help solve the world’s greatest problems. Lux, libertas – light and liberty. So my advice to you, Tar Heels, is to think of others and do something every day that will make a positive difference in someone else’s life.