Any Elizabethtown College student, alumni or staff member can recite the school’s motto, “Educate for Service,” by heart, but alumna Allyson Wells, ’12, put those words into action and is currently the Community Outreach Manager at Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity.
Wells began her service journey at a young age through the organization Girl Scouts of America. As a Girl Scout, Wells was able to serve her family, community and environment.
“We took those learnings and put them directly into action; this idea of not just ‘learning’ but also ‘doing’ was incredibly impactful,” Wells said.
According to Girl Scouts, “Girl Scouts is a place where she’ll practice different skills, explore her potential, take on leadership positions—and even feel allowed to fail, dust herself off, get up, and try again.”
Wells’ love of service is reflected in how she lives her life and is shown in what college she chose.
Etown has a reputation for being service-oriented, and that is one of the main aspects that prospective students and parents see when looking into the College.
Wells was impressed by how Etown is able to lead their students to volunteering in the community, taking a break from worrying about one’s own personal troubles and stresses.
Participating in community service gives students the opportunity to think and care about others in the area which can result in individual growth and development.
“From service learning in the classroom, to the various service-based living arrangements, to the unimaginable [number] of clubs and organizations…I saw so many ways I could integrate my passion for service into my college experience,” Wells said.
As the Community Outreach Manager, Wells is responsible for “managing [their] Homeownership and Home Repair programs, both of which ensure members of [the] community can achieve their undeniable right to safe, warm, dry and affordable housing.”
Habitat for Humanity is all about empowering and strengthening people to become self-sufficient to create bright futures for themselves and their families.
According to Habitat for Humanity, they “work toward [their] vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.”
Wells’ degree in international business and minor in Spanish have helped to develop her unique perspective for her service-based job with background knowledge in supply chain, management, international relations and accounting.
“There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on while not directly working with the families and having the business skills to manage that workload is essential,” Wells said.
Wells wished that she knew how many organizations need volunteers, specifically in the form of college students, and how much of an impact that time and effort can make.
Nonprofits are constantly looking for opportunities to support local college students, both in and out of established programs or groups.
Wells’ biggest piece of advice for current Etown students was to “pursue any opportunity you can physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially muster.”
According to Wells, internships are a great way to familiarize oneself with different nonprofits and service-based organizations in the Etown area or in one’s hometown. Wells also advised students to have fun.
“You’ll never live within 10 feet of every single one of your greatest college friends ever again, so please (for our sakes) take advantage of it while you can,” Wells said.
For many, current students and alumni alike, Etown is a safe and educational environment that gives young people a platform to cultivate their love for community service and volunteerism.
“Educate for Service [isn’t] just a nice logo to put on a banner or something that’s only found on promotional materials. It’s a part of the school’s DNA in so many ways,” Wells said.
