Center for Student Engagement

We recently asked David Bakke, financial columnist for Money Crashers Personal Finance for his thoughts about how to make the best use of good financial strategies in college.  Here are his thoughts. He writes on topics like college and careers, getting out of debt, and smart money management.

5 Ways NOT to Save Money While in College

When I was in college, money seemed like air to me: free, abundant, and to be taken for granted. I chose to ignore the fact that all the student loans I took out would someday have to be paid back. Besides, I figured I'd be rolling in dough with a high-paying job as soon as I stepped foot off campus.

Had I been financially savvy, I would have realized that saving more and spending less would have a huge effect on my life after graduation. But savvy I was not, and as a result, I graduated with more than $30,000 of debt. The high paying job didn't come as expected, and I spent years digging myself out.

Don't let yourself arrive in this unenviable position. There are a number of things you must avoid to keep yourself in a comfortable financial position. Here are the top five money mistakes to stay away from in college:

1. Pay for College With Credit Cards
Whenever you use a credit card to pay for something that you can't pay off by the end of the month, you are setting yourself up for financial disaster. Forget about enticing credit card rewards or low APRs - paying your college tuition with a credit card will drive up your debt and likely damage your credit score. Those low APRs may escalate, and the rewards will not make up for the massive interest payments you'll be making.

When it comes to using credit cards, there is one simple rule: If you can't afford to pay it off by the end of the month, put the credit card away.

2. Abuse Credit Cards
Card issuers specifically target college students for one reason: They view you as a money-making opportunity. However, by educating yourself now, you can avoid falling into their traps.

Avoid carrying a balance, and never go over your limit or pay a bill late. The fees and interest payments will eat you up financially, and late payments can destroy your credit. If you don't manage credit well during your college years, it could become a lifelong habit with irreversible consequences.

3. Use Student Loans Irresponsibly
While it's great that help is available to finance your education, there are few limitations as to what you can spend this money on. Taking a mature, responsible approach to your finances is especially invaluable when it comes to managing your student loans - you must commit to utilizing these funds for school-related expenses only.

It may seem enticing to go out and purchase electronic gadgets or new clothes, but you will be doing yourself a serious disservice. Student loans should only be used for paying tuition, textbooks, housing expenses, and anything else directly related to college. If you don't end up spending it all, pay it back immediately. Better yet, look into ways you can pay for and afford college without student loan debt.

4. Pay Full Price for Textbooks
When I attended college, I did what many college students do: I grabbed the syllabus for each of my classes, trudged to the college bookstore, and shelled out a ton of cash for the books I needed. But times have changed, and there's no reason to take this dated and expensive route.

With a little research, you can save as much as 97% off what you would pay buying brand new textbooks from the campus bookstore. You can purchase used textbooks via the Internet (and resell them when your course is finished), purchase e-Books at websites like CourseSmart, and rent textbooks at websites like BookRenter to save money.

5. Don't Generate Income
If you have time to watch television or party, you definitely have time for some paid employment. You can start by getting a part-time job or participating in a work-study program. If you're up for the challenge, you can even start your own side business - you never know where it might take you. I started a reselling business several years ago with my wife's unused textbooks, and it ultimately blossomed into a full-time venture.

Final Thoughts
Of course, it's important that you enjoy your college years, but you can have fun and be smart at the same time. Never allow your youthful exuberance to negatively affect your financial future. Remember, once you get out of college, all the debt you racked up will become your responsibility to pay off. While you can certainly investigate student loan deferment options, you will be better off finding ways to pay down your debts before interest fees and balances rack up further. This can cause your credit - and your quality of life - to seriously suffer.

What other money mistakes should college students be careful to avoid?

Alumni have always been strong supporters of career fairs at DePauw.  This year alumni from companies including Accretive Health, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Citizen Schools, DePauw Opportunity Through Collaboration Program, DyKnow, LLC, Noble Street Charter Schools, Uncommon Schools, Unique Home Solutions, Teach for America, Welch Packaging Group came on campus to interview students. 

Angie's List has been a strong advocate for hiring DePauw students. 

Welch Packaging, seen at right, has been another DePauw managed company that has hired many DePauw graduates.

One senior who attended the fair reported getting three immediate call backs from employers!   

Each year, about two-thirds of each graduating class seeks employment after graduation.  Career fairs have been a way for employers seeking DePauw students to easily access them for jobs and internships.  Employers report that DePauw really bucks a national trend against career fairs.  They report that DePauw students come out in large numbers and are well prepared for the experience.  Career fairs are hosted in the fall and spring.  One fair is just for graduate and professional schools and provides students with the opportunity to explore planning, application, and financial aid.   

Where would you choose to work?

The staff of the Center for Student Engagement helps students and alumni connect with employers around the globe. 

Meet Taylor Richison, a Junior majoring in Communication and minoring in Economics and Political Science. Aside from being the coordinator for Student Friend at Central Elementary, Taylor is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, Delta Upsilon Fraternity and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. He also serves as a Resident Assistant and Executive Director of Tzounakis Little Golfers. 

In my time as Coordinator for Student Friend at Central Elementary School, I have discovered a lot about both myself and the community. What I have learned about myself is how much I truly enjoy working with children. The energy and life that children bring to light on a daily basis is truly incredible. They find the most interesting things to talk about and never fail to make you laugh. For example, earlier this year for one day my student friend, Presten Patrick and I, along with another DePauw student Caleb Lehman, were playing charades. The entire time Presten was acting out Greek Gods, a smooth move to get him the victory.

Central Elementary School has also proven to be a great fit in my opinion for kids to learn and grow. The school has a friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff in the office. Being a student friend and coordinator at this school for two years has also given me insight into just how important it is for students to have someone to rely and look up to in their lives. Many of the students in the program have had someone in their life that has let them down and was not there for them. Being able to provide a stable and consistent relationship for these students has been wonderful. I know that when I look back on my college career, being a part of DCS and Coordinating at Central will be an experience I will surely remember. 

Anyone interested in becoming a student friend at Central can contact Taylor at ssfcentral@depauw.edu.

Last week, the 72 students planning to study off-campus next fall gathered for the 2nd of their required orientation sessions. At these orientation sessions, staff and students discuss the important practical aspects of their OCS experiences-- academic credit, health and safety, financial responsibilities, and more. Through activities and discussion, students are also introduced to concepts of cultural adjustment and adaptation (sometimes called "culture shock") that they might experience in London, Beijing, or even New York, and talk about tools and strategies for managing such feelings.

Students often say, however, that the most beneficial part of the second orientation session is the chance to talk with returned DePauw students from their program or destination area. Departing students can get the "real" scoop from returned students- what are classes like, what is housing and transportation like, how did they make friends, what has this experience meant for them? Returned students are often eager to share their recommendations and experiences with a captive and engaged audience, making this event a win for everyone.

Check out the video below for insight from returned students on how their experience studying abroad changed them!

The staff of the Center for Student Engagement facilitates meaningful off-campus study experiences for DePauw students.

From a young age I was taught to take nothing for granted. All that was received was to be earned, and all that was earned was to be received. I grew up with the understanding that while nothing is free, not everything has to be paid for.

I am currently exercising that lesson by devoting more than 50 hours per week working with the DePauw Environmental Policy Project, an off-campus study opportunity that allows students to research and present factual information on legislation related to environmental and social issues at the Indiana General Assembly. It’s an off-campus study that allows us to receive academic credit for our impactful work.

I spend much of my time dissecting the logistics and potential social impact of proposed bills, resolutions, and constitutional amendments. Using the data that I find in my research, I form a well-rounded opinion that I present to various legislative committees in the form of concise testimony.

As a Bonner Scholar, the opportunity for me to give back to my community in this way is absolutely exhilarating. I can think of no better way to repay my community for its compassion than to ensure that I do all that I can to leave it with improved institutions.

How do you give back to your community?

The Center For Student Engagement supports the work of the Bonner Scholar Program.

Meet Casey Hinken, freshman Civic Fellow and Student Coordinator for Tzouanakis Middle Elementary.  Catherine is also a tutor for Reading Enrichment at Gobin Church, a member of Pi Beta Phi, a catechism instructor for 3rd graders at St. Paul's, Catholic Students Assoiation and a member of the Relay for Life Committee.

To make the pitch work you need two things: technique and courage.

The single biggest obstacle is our own fear of saying out loud what we really want in life and career.  If you don't ask for what you want, you will never get it. 

Tips for the pitch: 

Focus on the Big Five:

1.  Skills you wish to use.

2.  Issues you wish to engage.

3.  People you will engage as colleagues.

4.  People you will serve.

5.  Environment you need to thrive. 

Keep it behavioral!  Ask yourself, what does it look like when things are right?  If people can 'see' what you are seeking as you talk about it then they can help you connect with other professionals who look like you. 

Synthesize.  Be ready to share this statement in a single, clear statement like, "I want to use these skills, to work on these issues, with these people, in this environment." 

Assume the best in people.  We all love to talk about ourselves; we are proud of our work and love to talk about it; and, finally, we love to help other people.  In the pitch you are allowing people to do these three things. 

Make the ask!  Be prepared and willing to ask if this sounds like them or anyone they know.  And, most importantly, will they speak with you or introduce you. 

Coaching yourself through this simple formula and screwing up the courage to say it out loud takes you 80% of the way toward a successful job search or career change.

What is your pitch?

The staff at the Center for Student Engagement can help you craft a pitch for an internship or job. 

What happens to DePauw students one year after Graduation? 

The chart below shows the activities of the classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012.  Over 80% of the graduates are reported in the data (the class of 2012 is still in process and will be complete in June 2013) 

Trends from 2010-2012:

More students are choosing to go to work after graduation.  This figure has increased eleven percent in the past three years.  We have seen an increase in the number of students receiving national fellowships and awards like the Fulbright. 

While graduate school attendance has dropped, the levels for medical and law school attendance has remained consistent over time at around three percent of new graduates. 

Teach for America remains one of the top employers of new graduates from DePauw.  However, students work all over the world with organizations from JET to West Monroe Partners to Tom's Shoes to NBC and the New YorK Times.  Within Indiana alumni are working at Angie's List, Cummins, Goodwill, the State Legislature, and many more. 

For graduate schools, DePauw students are attending top graduate and professional schools around the United States including Columbia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Indiana University.   

What will your path be after DePauw?

The Center for Student Engagement helps students make the transition from college to career. 

Meet Amarilis Roman, a first year Posse and Bonner Scholar from New York.  She is the student coordinator of the YMCA After-School program at Ridpath Elementary in Greencastle.  Amarilis plans to double major in English Writing and Biology.

As soon as many individuals meet me, they comment on how my enthusiasm can brighten anyone’s day. “Amarilis, how do you have so much energy?”
My excitement comes my willingness to lift the mood of the individuals around me and to remind them of the community we have in Greencastle. I believe that through positive energy may a community of individuals can stay closely-knitted together. Growing up in New York, I realized the importance of contributing to your local neighborhood through service. Giving back to your community helps an individual to create lasting friendships, new skills and rewarding experiences, while helping people on a day-to-day basis.

Through the Posse Scholarship, I was able to pour my passion of service into the Greencastle community. I quickly learned that big cities are not the only areas in need of volunteers; everyone needs positive contribution every now and then. The Bonner Foundation opened up an entire world of possible organizations to become involved in, thanks to Jessie Scott, Chris Klinger and Gigi Jennewein for all their advice and guidance. I openly accepted the responsibility to manage the volunteers at Ridpath, which has helped me grow as an individual, as well as positively impact my site through friendships, service and commitment. I decided that helping the children at the YMCA Program at Ridpath was my way to make a positive impact.  For this reason, i hope to continue my position as a DCS coordinator for the rest of my time at DePauw.  As an English Writing and Biology double major, working with children is a relief from heavy academics.  This service has given me the "balance" that I need.

During my years in High School, I became wholeheartedly committed in two different community-service programs, one that fought against educational injustice and another that focused on repairing and beautifying the community. I was taught that my voice matters in any community, and that great improvement comes through collateral effort. After updating textbooks in classrooms, shedding light on the psychological abuse metal detectors cause, creating a neighborhood garden and bringing other projects to fruition, I knew that I would remain involved in community service throughout my college life.  If anything, my pre-DePauw experience has given me the motivation and confidence to make an impact in the Greencastle community as well.

Through the YMCA Program at Ridpath, I have grown to be more confident and organized, while helping children through lessons that would impact their entire life.  DePauw Community Service programs can do this for you as well! You, too, can make a positive impact in your community, just like I did!

On Sunday, April 7, the second year Bonner Scholars took to the streets for a bit of morning service along the streets by Prindle Institute for Ethics.  On our excursion for service we were accompanied by sophomores from Earlham College, in Richmond Indiana.  After a couple of warm up activities provided by Earlham we indulged in sandwiches, chips and cookies for lunch then headed outside in Nature to pick up trash by the roads.  At the outset it seemed to strictly be for the purposes of making the streets look nice and picking up litter, but the walk along the streets turned out to be more than that.  We got the chance to enter a space of community and friendship.  Jokes were enjoyed between DePauw and Earlham as relationships sparked and lit the opportunity for a great time of service and laughs.  The Sophomore Exchange initiative is for the sophomore class to grow as a unit through servicing the community in some way, the madness behind the exchange portion is to open students up, bursting us out of our comfort zones to meet and serve with others that share the Bonner commitment.  We were also given the opportunity to learn about DePauw's Sustainiblity Initiatives on campus by Athony Baratta, Assistant Director of Sustainibility.  Together we harvest the manifestation of family and Bonner love!  

For a number of years, Professor Yung-chen Chiang and Professor Li-feng Chiang have led a Winter Term class of students to China to explore the paradox of the country: 

"It boasts an ancient culture of traditions and yet goes all the way out to jettison the old to embrace the new; it holds on to communism and yet latches on to a capitalistic economic regime; it garners the reputation as a rising economic superpower and yet delivers low living standards to the majority of its people.  Its transformation in thirty years from a third-world economy to a superpower is unprecedented in history.  Its economy surpassed Japan's in 2010 and is projected to overtake the United States by 2030.  The success is phenomenal, but the cost—human as well as environmental—has been staggering.  China is at a crossroads.  Might Hong Kong, which is twenty years ahead of China in development and which will remain a special administrative region for 50 years after its return to China in 1997, hold clues to solve some of these paradoxes?"

Meredith Langenheim '13, an East Asian Studies major and Chinese minor, studied abroad on the Winter Term 2013 class and has this to say of her experience.

The DePauw Winter Term trip to China and Hong Kong was especially meaningful to me because I am an East Asian Studies major.  Having the chance to go with two of my Asian Studies professors on this trip was unforgettable. As an East Asian Studies major, I got the opportunity to apply what I had been learning about at DePauw to the six cities we visited throughout the course of the trip.  Ending the trip in Hong Kong was probably one of the most rewarding parts.  Because Honk Kong was just given back to China in 1997, it was very interesting to be able to compare the cities we visited in Mainland China to Hong Kong.  Hong Kong is very different than many cities in Mainland China. It has a different currency, different architecture and different culture, yet is now considered a part of China.  If I had chosen to go on any other trip to China I would definitely not have gotten this wonderful opportunity to explore Hong Kong along with Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin and Henan. 

Current students are applying for Winter Term 2014 courses now (due April 17th), while first year students may begin applying for off-campus courses this summer.  Winter Term is a hallmark part of a DePauw education, giving students an opportunity to explore a new topic of interest. Often, as in the case of Meredith, Winter Term leads into a semester long experience and provides students with greater focus and clarity on their interests and goals.  Learn more by visiting the Center for Student Engagement website.

Upon entering DePauw, about one third of the first year class expresses an interest in careers in health care. 

During Winter Term fourteen students participated in a course to both prepare for the MCAT and learn more about the medical school planning and application process.  They worked on how to research programs, write personal essays, interview, and finance medical school. 

Each year about three percent of current seniors plan to attend medical school right after graduation.  They attend programs throughout the United States. 

Dan Kallenberber from Marion University worked with the students to learn more about D.O. programs.  Marian University opened a new medical school in Indiana.  As one student said, "I never would have considered a D.O. program until I heard Dan."

More broadly, allied health careers are of interest to students.  Nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant are all actively pursued by DePauw students. 

Are you interested in heath careers?

The staff of the Center for Student Engagement can help you explore careers. 

Meet Abigail Baylon, a sophomore Chicago posse scholar.  Pairing with Tom Henning to co-coordinate the TZ Spanish Enrichment DePauw Community Service (DCS) program, Abigail is new to the DCS coordinator team. She is also part of a multicultural sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. (SLG), and if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, Abigail has been treasurer for three organizations on campus (Committee for Latino Concerns (CLC), SLG, and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)) for more than a year!

Growing up, I always had the mentality that a major importance in life should be put on giving and receiving. I loved to receive an education, gifts, etc., but I always felt better knowing that I could also return some knowledge or service back to the community. During my four years in high school, I did a lot of community service. The service ranged from short term projects such as raising money for ALS foundation to a long-term project such as monthly visits to a local nursing home. Fast forwarding to when I first stepped foot on DePauw’s campus; the transition from high school to college was very difficult for me: mentally, culturally and emotionally. My involvement with DePauw’s community was not the same as in Chicago, at least not in the beginning.

 Moving to my sophomore year at DePauw, I started to join other organizations on campus.  I liked the feeling of being around others. I loved working with a team to plan events for the DePauw community and that’s when I got the extra push from my older sister, Marycruz Baylon.  She is a senior this year at DePauw and pushed me to expand my desire to help others by reaching out to the community. I started off as a volunteer for the TZ Spanish Enrichment DCS Program. I said why not? I know Spanish and I would love to teach it, so I agreed to partake. I worked closely with a partner and tutored 5-6 girls, which I fell in love with! The girls in my group were always enthusiastic and excited to learn something new. There was nothing better than the feeling I received when they walked out the building with the knowledge I had given them.

Towards the end of the semester, we were informed that our TZ coordinators were going to step down from their positions. I was then able to apply to become a coordinator myself! I was chosen and given the opportunity to work with co-coordinator Tom Henning to make spring semester better for the children at TZ. Although Tom and I are new to this, I think we’ve been handling it really well. We meet weekly as a group in order to plan the lesson for the day. Every week, our volunteers come in, tutor their students on a specific subject, and making more memories with them. That’s where all the magic happens! I love what I do, and I plan to continue giving it my 115%. 

My name is Stephanie Fernadez, and I am a Sophomore at DePauw.  Being a Bonner scholar not only gives me the opportunity to interact with the community surrounding your college campus, but also gives me the opportunity to incorporate my passion with service work. I have loved working with media before becoming a student at DePauw University- it is my passion. Specifically, I love documenting the world around me, and being able to communicate the happenings of the community on the Television and social media.

With this passion, came the idea of creating my own Bonner placement, where I would go to non-profit organizations and create a short two to three minute documentaries on the organizations. Specifically, I would document what the organizations goals and objectives are, which people in the community they are helping, and any background information on the organization and create a link for them to post on their website and social media groups. With this placement, not only am I learning about the community and the different non-profit organizations within the community, I am also practicing and acquiring experience on the thing I love to do the most which ultimately, is what being a Bonner Scholar is all about.

The Bonner Scholar Program is supported by the Center for Student Engagement.

What if you could get credit for taking control of your career?  At DePauw, YOU CAN! 

The "Career Expert" class is taught during the semester and winter term.  Each session about twenty five students particpate in session to clarify their values, explore their strenghths, develop a professional identity, and engage working professionals. 

Erin Mahoney and Stephanie Hogue developed this class to help students, particularly sophomores, develop a sense of direction related to their career and life planning. 

Student response has been overwhelming.  "I feel much more in control of what I am doing in school." says one student.  A senior says, "Wow!  I wish I had done this when I was a sophomore.  I had no idea what I was doing but this class has helped me clarify a sense of direction and, more importantly, how to get there."

These programs have been a follow-up to the successful Sophomore Institutres started in 2011.  The Institute features professional speakers on topics like stengths in the workplace, personal brandinng, networking.   

What do you want to do with your life?

The staff at the Center for Student Enagagement can help you clarify your direction and develop a strategy to reach your goals. 

Kenisha White (’14) is both a Posse and Bonner Scholar from the Bronx, New York. She is the coordinator of the DePauw Community(DCS) Service Reading Improvement program, is active in the dance troupe Wamidan, volunteers in the Emergency Department at the Putnam County Hospital, and will serve next year as a First-Year Mentor for the DePauw’s incoming Class of 2017. Interesting fact: Kenisha is “learning” Korean from watching its dramas - with hopes of someday visiting South Korea.

I am really passionate about service. I was involved in community service-related activities throughout my entire high school career. I believe that my motivation for serving comes from knowing that I have the ability to be a positive influence on others.  Being a both a Bonner and Posse Scholar, I am given the opportunity to be an active member in the Greencastle Community, and I take this opportunity seriously. I believe that it is my responsibility to bridge the gap between the DePauw and Greencastle community, and that I have the power to provide a broader perspective of what it means to be a part of both communities—as a DePauw student and a civically-engaged member of the Greencastle Community. I became involved with the DePauw Community Service (DCS) Program with hopes of fulfilling my beliefs.  

I became affiliated with the Reading Improvement Center during the summer of 2011. I was recommended by Jessie Scott; our Bonner Director. I interned with Ellen Dittmer, the Director for the Reading Improvement Center. My responsibilities included promoting the program at the Putnam County Fair, preparing volunteer recruitment packets, and performing other recruitment-related tasks. At the end of the summ

er, I was offered the opportunity to serve as the DePauw student volunteer coordinator, which I thought was really awesome. I have been involved with the Reading Improvement Center since and it has been a great experience. The ability to be a part of the Greencastle education is really a great experience for me. I hope the skills that I am gaining from my involvement with the program – both as a coordinator and as a volunteer - will make me a better leader both on DePauw’s campus and beyond. The DCS Program has taught what it means to a leader; more so a servant-leader, which is the approach I try my best to implement in my role as coordinator for my volunteers.

Like any other responsibility, the Program has its moments of challenges, ranging from recruiting volunteers to coordinating the service. On the brighter perspective, the workshops that are provided through the Hartman Engagement Leadership Program (HELP) have proven be

neficial in regards to providing tips/insights as to how I can better coordinate and guide my volunteers. So I see the challenges in a positive light.  They help me to become better at what I do, making sure my volunteers have the best experiences possible.

Overall, the Reading Improvement Center has been successful in terms of volunteer interests; especially this year. We provide our volunteers with an experience that will prepare them for opportunities during and after DePauw. And I am looking forward to what next year has in store for us!

Quote of Week: “If your actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

DePauw University has a long history with nursing.  If you have considered continuing your education with an accelerated nursing degree,  here is a perfect opportunity to explore your options!

Marian University for St.Vincent Health invites you to consider a career in nursing.  With no current wait list, GPA requirement of 2.8 (or 3.0 in last 60), and classes offered May, August and January, now may be the perfect time to look at your options!

This is a new program and four DePauw alumni have graduated with two alumni currently enrolled. 

Grant '09 participated in panel designed to provide firsthand Q&A with others who chose nursing as a second career.  He enjoys a successful career in ICU, and looking at obtaining his masters towards a career as a nurse practitioner.

Questions about nursing?  Contact:

Kris Shallenberger
Outreach Coordinator
Marian University for St.Vincent Health

Have you considered a career in health care?

The Center for Student Engagement helps students craft careers in health care. 

Hi, I am Rebecca Carreno and I am a sophomore Bonner Scholar working as a teachers assistant at Deer Meadow primary school. I love my Bonner Placement because I have the opportunity to help the community by working with lovely children. Every day is different and exciting. Some days I read books to them, and I love their enthusiasm for reading and learning. Other days I help Ms. Wilson decorate the classroom for the season. And other days we do activities related to the lesson of the day. For example, this week they will be working with baby chicks and learning how to take care of them. I always look forward to my placement. I have learned a lot, and the smiles and great stories from first graders always make my day :)

The Bonner Programs' vision is to uplift communities through engaging students in service and cvic involvement throughout college campuses across the country.  It is our hope that the mobilization of students, faculty, and staff across these institutions can provide a collaborative and community-driven way to ensuring social justice and promoting the rebuilding of our communities.  The Bonner Scholar Program at DePauw is supported by the Center for Student Engagement and by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.

Meet Kelsey Binion, a junior from Carmel, Indiana. She is the DePauw Community Service coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), a national program that pairs students with children in need for a positive role model. Kelsey also works at Ridpath Elementary in the YMCA after-school program, participates in Adopt-A-Grandparent, taught Spanish in the TZ Spanish Enrichment program, went on an alternative Spring Break to Pittsburgh last year, and actively participates in her sorority’s philanthropic activites. Interesting fact about Kelsey: After a 5-year hiatus, she is bringing back the BBBS “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” fundraiser to the local Greencastle bowling alley.

In the first week of my DePauw career, I was bombarded with information, dates, and events.  One of the events I “had” to attend was the annual Activities Fair at which community service programs, student organizations and clubs recruited volunteers and members for the upcoming school year. I was very involved in service in high school, and I wanted to continue to give back to the community during my college years.

The summer before that freshman year there were multiple articles on the front page of the Indianapolis Star about efforts supporting the academic advancement of children in the metro-Indy area. I was impressed by the coverage of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. My high school did not offer a BBBS program, and the community in which I lived was not in need of volunteers.  When I attended the activities fair and saw that DePauw was supporting a BBBS program in Cloverdale (10 miles south of Greencastle), I signed up.

Many students live in the DePauw bubble and don’t realize the need in this community.  During my time with my Little, I have become knowledgeable in the difficulties that face so many Cloverdale students.  I have been paired with my Little for a year and a half now, and the good part is, I have seen so much positive growth.  

I am not the only one that has seen a change, so have his teacher and his parents. It is inspiring and heart-lifting that just a single hour of my time per week makes such a difference in child’s life.  As a volunteer and the coordinator of the program, I have heard so many similar personal, encouraging stories from other volunteers.  I think that is a major factor so many students want to get involved, and stay involved.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an excellent program to get involved in because not only are you serving as a role model, but you can also create a friendship that will last a lifetime.