Relay For Life
This weekend I participated in Relay for Life, one of the largest fund-raising events held at Temple University. It is basically an over-night walk-a-thon to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The goal is to keep at least one member of your team walking around the track at all times. During the walk, there are various events that take place including scavenger hunts, karaoke, and dance competitions. Overall it was fun-filled night with music, food, and sports. Although many brought their sleeping bags and pillows, I decided to stay awake the whole night. I am one of those who enjoy and need their sleep but this event was definitely worth it. By the next morning, I was astounded to hear that over 950 students had participated and together had raised over $23,000.
Community service is an integral part of campus life here at Temple University. There are over 180 campus student organizations that reach out not only within the Philadelphia community but also around the world. Only recently, Temple Volunteers organized a week-long trip to Guatemala to help improve the cooking conditions at an elementary school in one of the local villages. According to my roommate,
“Each moment of your life is a learning experience; going to Guatemala has taught me the value of giving back to the world around us. Living in such a materialistic world, it can be easy to forget that lending a helping hand and showing support for a cause can create as much of a change as handing a check over. My trip to Guatemala emphasized the importance of giving back to the community with solidarity, showing the community that we are there for them, physically and monetarily.” – Aasit Nanavati
I could not have said it any better.
