Although we often vaguely hear about the importance of community service, whether as a resume booster or a great way to give back to the communities we live in, these students give a firsthand account of their experiences in their volunteer work and why they do it.

Eden Kassa ’12, Manassas Park, Va.:
I am involved in Bethel A.M.E Mount Union Tutoring, where I tutor students from 1st to 9th grades. It is very important to me because I make a difference in these children lives and I have seen many changes in their behavior, school work, community, and social interaction. I love working with these children because they are full of potential and are capable of becoming anything they want to be. I love how I can help make that happen.

Steven Goehring ’12, Nazareth, Pa.:
I volunteer at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, which preserves and runs electric rail transit vehicles. I mostly operate trolleys for the public and give tours of the vehicle collection. Occasionally we get to do members-only jobs like rebuilding railroad track, fixing up a unique old commuter train, or running a work train to put up Christmas decorations. The jobs take training and careful focus, but they’re very rewarding, especially when a little kid’s face lights up at the sight of a trolley.

Rachel Walman ‘13, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
I volunteer with the Activities Department at Westminster Woods Nursing Home. My favorite part of volunteering is feeling like I actually made a difference in someone’s life by giving them a moment of laughter or making their lives easier in some way

Larissa Hatch, ‘11, Pocono Lake, Pa.:
I mainly work with Habitat for Humanity at Juniata but I do my own mission work in the summer time. I usually live at an orphanage abroad or work for some other international organization. I always say I have two strong hands and a willing heart and I would feel like I was wasting my gifts/skills if I didn’t participate in such activities. My favorite part is being able to meet the people we are helping. I may not remember every person’s name, but I will never forget the lasting impact they have had on me.

-Joyce Eveleth, ’11, Juniata online Journalist