This is not the case for Brother Dave Simpson, who takes many hours every week out of his senior year schedule to volunteer at the YMCA at WSU. While most seniors are worrying about their own immediate futures, Dave is busy worrying about the futures of the children he works with.
He started volunteering his time over one and a half years ago, working at after school programs. He now is the student Vice-President to the YMCA, and coordinates many of its programs. Some of these programs include Healthy Kids Day, a day when YMCA volunteers encourage the community to get out of the house and play with their kids instead of playing video games or watching television. This is a great step forward to shave off obesity for these kid’s futures. Other projects include the recently held YMCA event partnered with the WSU Art Club to host a silent art auction with all the proceeds going directly to the YMCA.
Organizing is not the only thing Dave does when he volunteers; he also tutors and mentors weekly at local Sunnyside Elementary. Effecting the youth in a positive light is really what gives the meaningful work substance.
And the volunteer work is not going to slow down anytime soon for Dave, he will continue to be a valuable asset to the YMCA after he graduates. This is the true meaning of altruism, giving a whole lot of yourself, without expecting anything in return. We can all learn a lot from Dave’s example and take him as a role model. We all could be doing a little more to better our communities. It’s a cliché but its true: making a difference really does start with one person.
In ZAX,
Trevor Johnson
Tau 1734
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