“True leaders are not those who strive to be first but those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team. True leaders are the first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action. By the strength of the leader’s commitment, the power of the team is unleashed.” (USY)
When growing up, like many Jewish teenagers, I was involved in a local Jewish community service group, Tzedakah N’ Teens. Once we started high school, friends started to drop out of the program and, eventually, the once thriving youth group gradually dissolved. Arriving at college, I felt as though the words “community service” had become foreign.
While I see some students at the Southwest Recreational Center, running for student government or enjoying the late nights on Frat Row, it’s rare to spot a lot of college students giving up their nights of early-into-the-morning partying to lend a helping hand to others.
Prepare to unleash your inner mensch.
On Nov. 14, good deeds of kindness will be spreading across campus as UF Hillel and the Jewish Student Union host the first Mitzvah Day. A variety of nondenominational organizations from around Gainesville will participate in the one-day event by working with students on different volunteer projects. On the registration form that they will fill out to become a part of Mitzvah Day, students are given the chance to work with children, engage in international relief efforts, get down and dirty to work with animals or show their “earthy” side by dedicating time to environmental service.
Even though some outsiders see Gainesville as a party town or just a sports obsessed college campus, what most people don’t acknowledge is the wide variety of local nonprofits to get involved with. With fingers crossed, the Jewish student community will shine a light on local nonprofits whose voices have been silenced on campus for too long.
