Today's guest blogger is Jessica Skinner, a 2nd year BBA student. Jessica currently is the Co-President of the Business & Tourism Society at MSVU. They are planning a series of upcoming events this spring; you can follow all of their news on Twitter at @MSVUBTSociety.
_________________________________________________________
Caritas Day - Being Part of Something Big
When Mount students hear “Caritas Day” most think of the
free day off, or the annual ski trip associated with the day. This was not the
case for me, or the almost 200 students and faculty members that spent their
day volunteering and giving back to the community.
Wednesday morning, I arrived at Vinnie’s bright and early,
my head still in a bit of a fog due to the early hour. However, as I walked in,
I was immediately taken aback by the amount of students that had come to
participate! When I was greeted with fresh fruit, croissants, muffins and
delicious warm coffee, I knew right away that the day would be memorable.
This is my second year participating in the Caritas Day
activities put on by the MSVU Business & Tourism Department - it certainly
will not be my last. Caritas Day is a day for Mount students to give back to
the community, as per Mount tradition, and to reflect on our own personal lives
while doing so.
After enjoying breakfast and engaging in lighthearted
chatter, I was excited to see what we would be doing. Everyone broke into
groups and either participated in a food drive, workshop, or working with the
Sisters of Charity to make meals for a local homeless shelter. I knew that I
wanted to go door-to-door for the food drive and was happy when I was picked to
go. After we were given maps and assigned team leaders, we were off!
Going door-to-door is a very humbling experience. Going out
into the community and talking with residents as well as collecting items for
our on campus food bank was so much fun. The compassion and generosity was
contagious and my spirits were lifted as our bags became filled. New friends
were made and eyes were opened, especially when I realized that a lot of the
people we were speaking with were probably in just as much need as those we
were collecting for. The warm smiles that greeted us made me feel so proud of
my school as well as my community.
When I arrived back at Vinnie’s, my heart filled with even
more pride when I saw how much food we collected for our students in need. I was
so proud of my fellow students as well as the university I attend. We are given
such an amazing learning opportunity at the Mount and should cherish it.
I feel incredibly blessed to live where I do, and to have
everything available to me when I need it. From day to day, we seem to forget that
there are people in our classes, our schools, and communities that need help.
I wish that Caritas Day were more than just one day a year.
I wish that more students took the time to volunteer and to appreciate what they
have, as well as to contribute to a greater cause of giving back. I vaguely
remember this feeling from last year, and wish that I had held on to it longer.
I resolve that this year, I will do more. I will volunteer more, and I will
reflect more often. I won’t take anything that I have for granted and I will
give back to my community.
As a Mount student and a Caritas Day volunteer, I truly am
becoming part of something BIG!
Submitted by Jessica Skinner
BBA Co-op
_________________________________________________________
Do
you have a story you would like to share with the B&T community? We
would love to hear from you: students, faculty, alumni or any community
stakeholders connected to the program. Drop us an email with your idea!
That was really generous of them to help the community during the holiday. Good job to all the teachers and students involved!
ReplyDelete