PB and Js....

Why did we choose to start a class about Fraternal Change with a service project, and what did you learn about yourself and your peers as a result of our shared experience today?

There are several reasons why I believe that we started class with a service project; however, the most immediate purpose I believe was to help us create a community among our class. Service is a unique and rewarding experience that individuals are able to complete together. I cannot really put it into words or explain how it happens, but I do think that when one completes service with others they become closer. Not really sure if it is due to the feeling of doing something good for others or just that it creates a comfortable atmosphere to talk with others. Either way, I believe that the opportunity to participate in service together, especially at the start of the quarter, was extremely beneficial for our four councils. It enabled us to get to know each other for the first time and to build relationships that will hopefully continue to grow over the course of the quarter and year. For me, I really enjoyed getting to meet the other council members. My partner was Leo, and I thought it was crazy how our stories of where we lived were backwards! I always think it is crazy when I hear that people are from Tennessee since most students at Ohio State are not from Tennesee.
In reference to the theme of our class Fraternal Change, I think that we began with service since service remains a pillar of our community. Nonetheless, though our founders valued service and espoused it as one of our ideals , personally, I feel like we could do more for our local and extended communities. Yes, we all complete service throughout the year, but do we do it because it is a requirement or do we do it because we want to help someone in need? I do believe that some individuals do partake in service for the right reasons, but I also think that we all cannot say the same thing. So that is where I believe the movement of Fraternal Change begins. We need to lead the change to help our members recognize that our community is a valued-based organization and that service remains an intrisic aspect of our community. Thinking about our experience from Friday it really makes me think we could utilize service as a means to strength our community. Not only would we be serving those in need, but we would be developing stronger relationships among our members and helping them see the power of service and how making a difference can be as small as making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to as large as stopping hazing that still plagues fraternities and sororities… Though I already love service, I think that after reflecting on the experience I acquired a better understanding of how service can help lead the path to Fraternal Change.