As a prospective student, I often wondered, “What’s life at this institute like beyond academics”? Everything painted a picture of academic rigor, but I wanted to know about the heart of the community. I wanted to know what happens when the computers close and the halls are empty. Now that I’m here, I can confidently say it’s so much more than I ever imagined.
From the very first day, we were introduced to the Volunteer Committee, a group dedicated to creating meaningful change within and outside the institute. It didn’t take long for me to jump in, and let me tell you, the experiences have been nothing short of transformative, not just for our community but for us as students, too. Let me take you on a tour of all the amazing things we’ve been up to!
The Potluck Committee kicked things off by combining fun and food for a cause. We hosted two potlucks for students to connect and collected 150 pounds of food for Feed the Pack, an organization fighting food insecurity at NC State. And when Hurricane Helene struck Western Carolina, we stepped up to gather emergency supplies like food and laundry detergent for those affected.
Our Pet Committee organized events with therapy dogs on campus, giving us furry stress-relief sessions that were pure joy during those intense school periods. Who knew wagging tails could be so therapeutic?
Through the School Supply Committee, we bridged our campus with Centennial Campus Middle School, a neighboring institution. Collecting 155 items for their students, we aimed to make a difference both in their classrooms and at home.
Our Holiday Committee got us all into the spirit of giving through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, donating over 50 toys to spread holiday cheer to families in need.
One of my personal favorite experiences was with the Foodbank Committee, where we teamed up on a Saturday morning of hard work and big impact. Fueled by a hearty breakfast donated by the Institute, we joined forces to pack 30,000 meals at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, knowing that every box brought hope to families facing food insecurity.
Through our Thrifting Channel, we combined sustainability with generosity. We hosted a clothing swap to encourage eco-friendly fashion, and all extra items were found in new homes through the students or Cause for Paws, which supports animals in need.
And if you’ve ever thought volunteering couldn’t be competitive, think again; our Ping Pong Tournament saw plenty of action, all while collecting canned goods for donation.
What makes all these efforts truly special isn’t just the impact we make; it’s the bonds we build along the way. Working together to serve our community has brought us closer as a student body, strengthening our sense of belonging and collaboration. These experiences remind us that the spirit of teamwork we cultivate here extends beyond classrooms and into the real world.
So, if you’re looking for a program that goes beyond the books and lets you make a difference, build friendships, and have fun doing it, you’ve found the right place. We’re not just learning here. We’re growing together.
Columnist: Cameron Houston