At the break of dawn, 300 student volunteers from Laredo College and Texas A&M International University gathered with anticipation and cheer for a Saturday morning filled with opportunities to make a difference in their community.
Like The Big Event, October’s Make a Difference Day calls upon students to volunteer their time for community service activities such as trash pickup, tree planting, house painting and other neighborhood projects. These efforts not only unite students from both institutions with their community, but they also embody the enduring goals of higher education.
In addition to this collaboration was the partnership with the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, City of Laredo Health Department and Keep Laredo Beautiful. Their continued support paved the path for the students to do their part through careful instruction and providing safety equipment.
As students enjoyed doing good deeds alongside their friends, they also connected with new faces and potential new friendships. LC Director of Student Life Pedro Rivera said that Make a Difference Day and The Big Event are occasions students can look forward to when they are committed to improving the community and meeting new friends.
“Our Palominos wake up early on a Saturday not because they are forced to, but because they believe in what Make a Difference Day stands for,” Rivera said. “From cleaning a park to painting a mural, they answer the call to make our world a better place, and we’re incredibly proud of them.”
With two major community service opportunities available, Rivera thanks every volunteer for their commitment to positive change and encourages students to participate in both Make a Difference Day and The Big Event. He also thanked the residents of the visited neighborhoods for allowing LC and TAMIU students into their lives for a moment of philanthropy.
The camaraderie and spirit of giving these types of events fosters are experiences no student in higher education should miss.