Volunteerism helps fill out a résumé, professor says.
By V.L. Roberson
This college’s office of civic engagement is a good place to learn service to the community, and getting involved is easy.
Students are eligible for prizes, and to qualify for out-of-town travel, a student must be enrolled part time and in good standing academically, explained Mary Elise Ferrer, coordinator of student success.
Occasionally, some of the organizations that students can volunteer for welcome students’ siblings and children, but it’s best to confirm this with the organization before bringing a minor along, she said.
There is also information available about professors who integrate a service-learning component within their courses.
Opportunities are available for students to propose an extra credit service learning project to their instructor, according to the website at www.alamo.edu/sac/student-life/civic-engagement.
Civic engagement, in its more traditional sense, refers to the involvement of the people in the political/civic process, she said. The term can often encompass service to the community, broadly speaking.
“Understood in this way, civic engagement suggests not only involvement in the political atmosphere of a community but also involvement in the overall health and function of a community,” she explained.
“I would like to encourage students to volunteer in our own backyard at EcoCentro,” she said. She referred to Sinkin EcoCentro, which offers opportunities to volunteer for environmental projects.
Many companies look for individuals with volunteer hours in their résumé, explained kinesiology Professor Martha Stephenson.
“Take advantage of every opportunity to serve and build up your volunteer hours now so that when you are applying for jobs and internships it can help you,” she said.
“Anyone who is willing to learn is always welcome. Students who are motivated, who follow direction and have a can-do attitude make wonderful volunteers,” Ferrer said.
You can drop by the office in Room 150 in Loftin Student Center. For more information contact Ferrer (210) 486-0157 or by email at mferrer10@alamo.edu.
Students should check the service opportunities, section when they log on to OrgSync, Ferrer said.
You can also go to www.orgsync.com and create an account to get started.