Danielle Server
Staff Writer
This spring break is a perfect opportunity to make a difference without the pressure of classes and school work. As the weather warms up and the winter blues go away, it can be a good time for students to work in their community and work on their relationships.
But what can be defined as making a difference? Whether it be for the community, relationships or for oneself, there are many sources out there that provide thousands of examples to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Making a difference can be something as small as spending quality time with someone else, or something like volunteering for a nonprofit organization. The act of making a difference can affect oneself, or thousands of people.
Making a difference can mean a lot of things, but most of all, it means touching and transforming the lives of those who need it.
“Making a difference means taking other people’s needs in mind and using your resources to help them,” said Amanda Johnson, a psychology major and kitchen assistant at the Laramie Soup Kitchen. “Using what you have– whether that’s time, money, labor, creativity, effort, or something else to improve some aspect of someone else’s situation is what makes a difference.”
When it comes to making a difference, anyone can take part in lifting another person’s spirits. This is why it is important to evaluate the needs of others, and why it is important for students to evaluate what they feel called to do in life.
“It doesn’t have to be big–like, my roommate made me dinner last night and left it for me to find when I came home late after an exam. That was a small thing, but it meant so much to me, made my evening easier and made me feel cared for. As long as you’re trying and your intentions are good, you’re probably making a difference,” said Johnson.
Everyone has strengths and qualities to rely on, it is what makes people unique. Traits like leadership, empathy and generosity can be useful, because they can be used to help others.
For example, if someone were to exemplify the trait of leadership, their calling could be a teaching or coaching position. These positions can be special because it calls upon leaders to use their time and talents to change the lives of others. Although, these positions do not have to be limited to school teaching or athletic coaching. Almost anyone who takes time out of their day to help and teach can be called a teacher or a coach.
During the break, there are plenty of opportunities for students to call upon their leadership skills. Recreation centers and churches are always looking for volunteers to help manage youth camps during breaks. If a student has younger siblings, they can spend more time with them than when class is in session.
Generosity is another common trait that can be viewed in different ways than the typical definition. Although money is associated with generosity, the definition can be broadened to include time and effort.
It can range from spending quality time with family and friends to volunteering in the community. It does not have a size or time limit.
“Our volunteers [at the Laramie Soup Kitchen] make a huge difference by donating their time and effort to improve the lives of our clients, who may be their friends and neighbors. We could not operate without their help. Volunteers make more of a difference than they realize. We and the people we serve are so grateful,” said Johnson.
The University of Wyoming is also offering students a chance to go on alternative spring trips around the world, a great opportunity to make a difference during the break.
This year the University is offering six spring break plans for students who are seeking volunteer opportunities. These trips focus on helping communities across the United States and other parts of the world. Students can choose opportunities from working with the homeless population in California, to using their leadership skills for youth development.
So as spring break approaches, students can take advantage of this time to go out into their community to make a positive impact, without the stress of classes and school work. Enjoy the fresh renewal energy that spring can give and make a difference.
