Student volunteers promote responsibility through National Student Day events
Junior Nick Chou never knew National Student Day existed.
Students like Chou do not volunteer for a project just to receive recognition for their efforts. But the SU Bookstore still thanks the student body for its volunteering efforts by hosting National Student Day on Thursday.
“I think it’s great that there’s a day that acknowledges students who invest their time and energy in helping others,” Chou said.
Now in its second year, National Student Day is part of the National Association of College Stores. According to the National Student Day website, the goal of the day is to celebrate the social responsibility of college students across the country. More than 1,500 college bookstores are partaking in this event.
The bookstore also expanded its list of activities and events from the first National Student Day last year. During lunchtime there will be live music from Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and food vendors with free samples for students. Three SU Literacy Corps student groups will also have tables set up to talk about their work and to encourage students to volunteer.
Rosemarie Crisalli, program manager of customer and marketing relations for the bookstore, played a major role in the organization of the event.
She said the ultimate goal of the day is to inspire students to find a student group to promote social responsibility as well as make students feel good about the service they provide to the community.
“One of the reasons I volunteer is because it feels good to know that I have made a difference in somebody’s life,” Chou said.
Chou, an information and technology services major, already feels good about the service he provides. Chou has done a wide range of service activities from taking care of dogs to feeding people at the Samaritan Center.
Maddie Dockery, a senior broadcast and digital journalism major, has also been involved in a wide variety of service projects. One project that she is particularly attracted to is the Bishop Foery Foundation, where she helps elementary school students with their homework.
“It’s a special experience because you can really notice them growing both as students, and as young adults,” she said.
She said that getting more involved will enhance your college career and help you connect to more things occurring on your school’s campus.
Jessica Cimino, a junior English and textual studies major, has been actively involved in numerous service groups. Cimino’s involvement in these groups has had an important effect on her understanding of Syracuse.
She credits being exposed to these organizations through her membership in Alpha Phi Omega, an on-campus, co-ed service fraternity.
“The experiences I’ve had have really changed my opinions about me, this city and the people who live in it,” she said.
She also encourages students to get more involved both on and off campus, no matter what the task is.
Said Cimino: “Even the smallest of things can really make a difference in somebody else’s life.”
