Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample

Day 8 – Service

You have finally begun your college career, which can be quite overwhelming at times. After all, there is so much to think about. What will my major be? What organizations should I be involved in? How will I make true friends?

One thought that may or may not have crossed your mind is how are you going to serve during this time. It is a question that too often gets overlooked, but it is very important to think about now.

It is easy to set that question aside and say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” The truth, however, is if you put it off now, there is a good chance you will never get around to doing it.

Like it says in Acts 20:35, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” It is hard to think about what you can give during a time that seems to be all about receiving: receiving a degree, receiving friendships, receiving recognition. However, giving can be the most rewarding thing you do during college, even more so than that precious degree.

In college, we are given more of a voice than we have ever had. We can create movements and raise awareness for causes we believe in. In Proverbs 31:8 it says we are supposed to speak for those who cannot. So as a college student, raise your voice by serving those who need it most. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter, raise awareness of a cause through social media or tutor under-privileged kids.

There are so many opportunities to serve during college. It is a wonderful time in life to start serving, because if you start now, you are more likely to continue to serve throughout your life.

When you look back on your college career, you won’t care about who did what for you, but what you did for someone else.

ASHLEY HEYEN | Alumna 2014