Other things you’re involved in on campus/work: Besides being highly involved in the consumption of sweet potato fries at the den, I’m a work study in the Office of Service Learning, one of the leaders for PIC, and I work at Aerie in the Carousel Mall. I’m also a part of an Advisory Board for Social Justice this semester, which I’m sure will prove to be a really enlightening experience.
How did you get involved with PIC/Helping Hounds? When I became the Work Study for the Office of Service Learning my sophomore year, part of my job description was to become a leader of PIC. The opportunity to be a leader of this group has been fantastic because it has allowed myself and others the opportunity to put our passions into service. I have been volunteering at animal shelters since I was about 9. When I reached college I didn’t know anything about shelters in the area, that’s when I found out about Helping Hounds through a fellow PIC leader, Lindsey Piasecki. I went to the shelter one winter afternoon and fell in love with the dogs, as well as the way the shelter conducts business.
What does PIC stand for? What does the club do? PIC is an acronym for Projects in the Community, and our goal is to provide community service in whatever projects our members decide to pursue. I think that is one of the unique aspects to PIC: we have yearly events that we participate in, but always welcome new project ideas.
Whats your role in the club? How many members? I’m a leader in the club, so I help plan our events and organize meetings. It’s also our job to stay in contact with our advisor, Beth Scanlon, and do all of that fun logistical jazz. We currently have about 35 members on our e-mail list, but being in the club means you are in no way obligated to partake in every activity, just the ones you can/want to participate in.
Why do you think PIC is important? PIC addresses Jesuit values that Le Moyne strives to achieve, such as the gift of the magis, or “the more.” This phrase refers to doing more for Christ, and therefore others. After a service trip I took to Ecuador over Christmas Break, I reflected a lot on circumstances that have allowed for me and my peers to live a life of such privilege. We take basic unalienable rights such as freedom of speech and the press for granted, while citizens of some countries such as Ecuador must constantly fear the repercussions for expressing themselves so “liberally”. In my realization of the many gifts I, and others, have been given-I realize this also means we have a lot to give with these gifts. PIC allows students to explore these gifts and put them into beneficial community service work.
What has been the most successful PIC event this year or in years past? Two of our biggest events have been ‘We Need a Little Christmas,’ in which Le Moyne students donate toys to non-profit organizations around the holiday season (we usually receive over 250 toys a year- so proud Le Moyne!), and Relay for Life, in which we gather a team, partake in fundraising, and have a great time at the Dome for a wonderful cause.
What do you hope to see with PIC as years go on? (ex-it get bigger, more volunteer opportunities, etc)–
I hope that PIC will continue to grow and work with more clubs on campus, as well as more community partners.
-Explain a little bit about Helping Hounds? What is it? Where is it? What is it’s goal? How did you get involved?
Helping Hounds is a no kill shelter that takes in dogs from New York as well as other states that may have otherwise been euthanized at an animal shelter, abandoned, or rescued from a puppy mill. It’s located about 3 minutes via car away from Le Moyne at 6606 Kinne Road, and the goal of the shelter is to rescue dogs from terrible situations, give them proper care, and ensure they will receive loving a compatible homes amongst being adopted. It’s super easy to get involved! If you go to rescuehounds.com, there is a section entitled “Volunteer” that you can fill out, and will be notified afterward. There’s also a short, basic, orientation about once a month that everyone must undergo before they can officially be a volunteer. AND THEN YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH EVERY DOG THERE.
What do you hope to do after Le Moyne? How will being involved in PIC help you in your future, if it will.
I hope to complete a year of service upon graduating from Le Moyne. PIC has definitely fueled my continued love for service, and has reaffirmed service will always be a part of my life.
What would be your best advice for first year students regarding getting involved?
If you are apprehensive about getting involved, bring a friend (bribe them with Panera!) the first time you go to a function-that way you are more at ease with your self and surroundings due to your support buddy. I find that, in general, the more you’re at ease, the more likely you are to branch out. Soon, one little connection leads to many connections and many opportunities to be involved in things you’re passionate about!
What’s a quote/motto you live by?
“Don’t let success go to your head or failure go to your heart.” It’s simple, straightforward, and tattoo worthy!
What do you do for fun/to relax? I l ove regaining sanity around my friends, walking my pups at Helping Hounds, viewing youtube videos of people tripping, listening to music, impulse buying shoes, going to concerts, and looking up recipes on pinterest that I will never make.
What has been your favorite professor at Le Moyne? Oof! I can’t pick one. I’m going with the quadrafecta of Pepa, Ocampo, Arno, and Leslie Streissguth. I know that was a cop out but all four are too fun.
Best advice for students stressed out about finals this week? Take time to stretch out your shoulders and back while listening to music and eating Tim Horton’s bagels! That one week of hell leads to a long relaxing break to follow, always keep that in mind!:)