Photo: Megan White

What do legal studies, early childhood education, accounting, social work and data science majors have in common? They all embody the Elizabethtown College motto, “Educate for Service.”

Students like senior Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) president Amanda Hafler are passionate about finding a cure for cancer. Others, like first-year Cassidy Dunn and senior Circle K president Amy Lieberman, enjoy volunteering as members of Circle K. As the holiday season begins, their efforts remind us that donating time and talent is the most powerful gift we can give.

Senior Brooke Mazzone founded Todd’s Angels in 2015.

“It all started with a little boy, Todd. My family took in foster children, and he arrived from the hospital in nothing but a diaper,” Mazzone said.

She began to explore the issue of clothing foster children, following her favorite Lily Tomlin quote: “I said somebody should do something about that. And then I realized I am that somebody.”

As the founder of Todd’s Angels, Mazzone struggled with engaging her peers. But Etown’s Student Directed Learning Community (SDLC) program and her roommates, seniors Olivia Lee, Melissa Germano and Anastasia Tamborrino, helped expand her non-profit.

This year, the Giving Tree in the Marketplace supports Todd’s Angels. It is the first time in the College’s history that the Tree has supported a student-run organization.

Lieberman sympathized with Mazzone’s humanitarian efforts.

“Volunteering at a small school has its challenges because there isn’t much ‘man power,’” Lieberman said. “But in the end, we truly have the heart for service and can accomplish more than an even larger group of people.”

Organizations like Circle K and CAC have a relatively large campus presence, and they connect students who strive to make a difference.

Each spring, CAC hosts Relay for Life. Approximately 300 participants gather in Thompson Gym for a 12-hour walkathon.

Hafler has volunteered with the American Cancer Society for more than a decade. The experiences of her grandmother, aunt and mother inspire her dedication.

“Knowing that I can represent my family and help them through fundraising is what motivates me to keep going,” Hafler said.

A sense of connection and personal fulfillment encourages students to continue volunteering despite the challenge of balancing academics and extracurricular activities.

“The extra time and effort put forth is a small sacrifice for the difference I have the capacity to make,” Mazzone said.

Lieberman agreed. “I see volunteering as something that HAS to fit into my schedule. I make sure to get everything done so that I can volunteer,” Lieberman said.

As these students exemplify, volunteerism is all about “fit.”

“The natural answer is to help each other by working together and delegating responsibilities based on where one’s strength lies,” Hafler said.

From bingo to building houses, there is a need for every skill and interest. Dunn updates a blog with different volunteering opportunities. Sophomore Danielle Phillips has travelled from Baltimore to Cuba for Habitat for Humanity.

When students identify problems that concern them and apply their passions and strengths to remedying them, their volunteerism results in personal development. They not only educate for service but also do service in order to educate.

“Volunteering has given me a much more grounded and centered view on life. When my own problems seem too much, and I feel overwhelmed, I remember all the people I have met and impacted,” Phillips said.

“I am humbled and thankful to have interacted with everyone, learning something from each of them,” Phillips continued.

Hafler shared similar experiences.

“Because we are educated by those around us and continue to learn from our experiences every day, we have an obligation to serve the community that we have learned so much from,” Hafler said.

“Therefore, we continue to educate ourselves while pursing service,” Hafler continued.

Students who find their fit develop a lifelong passion for volunteering.

“Even after I graduate, I would love to continue volunteering no matter where I go,” Lieberman said.

“Volunteering allows me to pursue my passion of working with children, but it also allows me to branch out and work with other populations,” Lieberman said.

“As a social work major, serving others is what my future career is about,” Mazzone said.

“These [foster children] motivate me in everything I do: my career, extracurriculars and family life. Because if not me, then who?” Mazzone continued.

These student leaders share time and talent to build a better world. Their example inspires us to reflect on our own gifts this holiday season.