Project MASCOT: Good Karma for a New Year

A new year means one thing to most people: a time to improve yourself through resolutions and goals. A new year is also a great time to build up some good karma! If you volunteer somewhere that is significant to you, you may find that you actually find it to be an outlet. Whether it’s an animal shelter, hospital, elementary school or even something a little more unique like a library or performing arts center, Gainesville is full of places that could use volunteers.

 
Last semester, I volunteered with an organization called Project MASCOT.  Organized by the Center of Leadership of Service, the program matches each of its mentors to an elementary school student deemed “at risk.”  You meet with your student once during his or her lunch period every week and have the opportunity to talk to them about what is going on in his or her life, providing an outlet for anything troubling them.  This year, the program has paired up with Idylwild Elementary School.  I found that talking to my mentee not only helped to keep me grounded and appreciate life itself (as cliché as that seems) but it also helped me learn the innocence of a child can actually help you solve problems going on in your own life by offering solutions you might easily overlook.
 
However, the program is not just work. In March, mentors take their students on a free field trip to Seaworld — an opportunity most of these students may never have. Project MASCOT also holds a “Taco Dinner” fundraiser, where for five dollars you can devour an unlimited amount of tacos and other foods brought in by the volunteers. The last fundraiser even featured an acapella performance by one of UF’s music fraternities.
 
The program really does make a major difference in the lives of these elementary school students by offering them “a new best friend,” as some mentees say. In order to get involved, visit the Center of Student Leadership and Service in 301 Peabody Hall at the beginning of Fall Semester.
 
In the meantime, there are many other service organizations in need of volunteers. Visit gainesvillevolunteer.com/Where-to-Volunteer.html to learn more.
 
If you give a little, you will find you get a lot in return!