Story of My Impact At ODU
I came across a quote recently by the Roman philosopher Seneca: “Just as with storytelling, so with life: it’s important how well it is done, not how long.” Reflecting on my undergraduate journey, I find myself asking, “How well was it done?”
From the start of my undergraduate career, I was called to be “involved” in the campus community. The summer before college, I participated in an Outdoor Orientation trip, and the Freshman Summer Institute (FSI). From FSI, I learned about student employment opportunities at the Student Recreation Center and started working as a Fitness Specialist. Eventually, I developed the skills to become a personal trainer and exercise instructor. Through this, I am able to create meaningful community connections by working with people. Apart from training individuals, I volunteer at various events such as the ODU Triathlon and the Adapted Recreation Expo. Interacting with students, faculty, and community members on a daily basis is a rewarding way to impact the community.
Before my Outdoor Orientation trip, I had no experience with outdoor adventure. Following the trip, I was inspired to complete a semester-long apprenticeship to become a trip leader. Not only did I develop my outdoor skills, but I also underwent a self-transformation. My personal evolution resulting from this program was crucial to my development of confidence, leadership, and resiliency. As a former participant and current trip leader, I understand the impact this program has on the students it serves, and I appreciate that I can give back what I have gained through this program.
My student employment prepared me for other leadership and service-learning experiences through ODU. During ODU’s Alternative Spring Break, I held the role of team leader and served a rural community in South Carolina. The following spring break, I had the opportunity to work with an interprofessional team of health students serving a community in Ireland. Through these experiences, I have gained a feeling of fulfillment like no other by utilizing the skills I have learned as a growing leader.
I often find myself reflecting and sharing the outcomes of a research study conducted at ODU: participation in activities that cultivate valuable skills such as leadership will only remain with the learner for an average of 6-weeks unless practiced. Using this reasoning, I continue to practice the skills I have learned in order to retain them. When I recall my undergraduate journey, I do not measure how well it was done by my grades or the number of lines on my resume. I measure this by how meaningful my experiences have been to my growth and ability to impact others. I am proud of the impact I have left on the university community, and my story has only just begun.