The freshmen class was given the opportunity to explore volunteer opportunities around the city Oct. 10 enabling them to explore their passions and interests and to help the freshman begin their 100 hour service requirement.

“The goal is to introduce them to an organization that they will hopefully be excited to return to again,” Theology Curriculum Coordinator Jessica Hull said.

Before their day of service, the students took a service questionnaire about their previous service experiences, career aspirations, and future service interests. They were then placed into their assigned location based on each student’s top interest areas and at a location that they have not been to before. Each group was then able not only to volunteer that morning, but learn about the organization and volunteer opportunities they offer for future interests.

“I thought it was really fun to hang out with all the kids,” freshman Carmen Phillips said. “I think I would go back because everyone was so nice and it was a really good environment.”

The students also had the opportunity to strengthen and bond with their classmates. The girls were separated from those that they went to grade school with or who they play a fall sport with. This gave the freshmen class the opportunity to branch out through service with their peers. Freshman Anna Sheedy went to St. Luke’s hospital and the Kansas City Hospice House where they learned about volunteer opportunities and requirements at St. Luke’s. At KC Hospice House students made, decorated and distributed cookies. They also had the chance to make hearts for veterans who stay there and their families.

“I definitely strengthened relationships with some of my fellow classmates,” Sheedy said.

Freshman Ashley Ulowetz went to the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and said she was impacted by her experience. There the students were able to help preschoolers in the classrooms and entertain them. They were also able to meet an alum who is a braille specialist at the center. After this experience she said she felt more connected to her service and found a true passion for this the center.

“I found it interesting how well the children were able to communicate with me and tell me what they needed,” Ulowetz said. “I would go back in a heartbeat.”

Students were also able to work behind the scenes rather than working face to face with who they were helping. The girls working at Uplift, a homeless outreach center, Great Plains SPCA, an animal shelter, and Amethyst Place, a women’s and family shelter, were able to help prepare the organizations for those they help. At Uplift the girls organized donations at their distribution center. Students at Great Plains SPCA helped bag dog food for their Pet Pantry Program and then played with the dogs. At the Amethyst Place students helped clean and organize the kids’ playrooms and an apartment where families stay.

“As a Sion community we also want to use our gifts to help our community,” Hull said.