TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER
LSU students attended the Student Volunteer Fair not only to build their résumés but also to see how they could make a difference in the Baton Rouge community.
Students volunteer through a number of avenues including student organizations, service-learning classes and university-wide events.
“We have seen a definite increase in the number of students who are seeking out volunteer work and wanting to get involved in the LSU and Baton Rouge community,” Assistant Director for Campus Life Mallory Trochesset said.
Last year more than 200 students came to the fair.
Fifty-three organizations signed up for the fair this year to recruit volunteers.
“Our organization runs off volunteers,” Inclusive Recreation Coordinator Brooke Stewart said. “Without them we couldn’t have the programs we have.”
Inclusive Recreation is a program of The ARC Baton Rouge that provides the intellectually or developmentally disabled with opportunities for classes, work and activities. Students can volunteer with Inclusive Recreation anywhere from 1 to 20 hours a week.
“We’re looking for people with commitment and a dedication and passion for our cause,” Stewart said.
Other organizations highlight how importance of volunteerism to the students themselves.
“Volunteering lets students take the education they’re earning at LSU to the community and apply it to the world,” Rebecca Avery, GED instructor for Adult Literacy Advocates, said. “It broadens your view.”
Volunteering is also important for students because it makes students stand out to employers and round out their résumés, especially if the experience is related to the intended career field.
“The number one thing recruiters look for in candidates is direct related experience,” Trochesset said. “Volunteer experiences are a great way for students to showcase their skills and abilities.”
Some students have volunteered in the past and came the fair to find out how they could do more. They agree that while volunteer experience is a positive addition to any résumé they help out the community for their own reasons.
“It’ll look good on a résumé, but you shouldn’t do it because of that,” Erin O’Connor, biology senior and Up ‘til Dawn executive board member, said. “You should do it for how it makes you feel.”
“I want to contribute to Baton Rouge,” undecided sophomore Adam Ladd said. “There are low income communities around here that need help…I want to do more.”
Trochesset said benefits to volunteering include building relationships, learning new skills and developing a stronger connection with the community and that many discover they enjoy it more than they might have anticipated.
