Serving with Purpose

Over the past few years, I’ve been a site leader, an Alternative Breaks participant, and even a board member for SLCE. Each role has been different, but all of them have shaped who I am today and how I see my future. During my sophomore and junior years, I served as a site leader for SLCE, where I organized service events and led teams of volunteers from UW. That meant everything from coordinating logistics and transportation to guiding reflection activities at the end of the day. I quickly realized that being a site leader wasn’t just about “getting the job done.” It was about making sure volunteers felt connected to the mission and understood the impact of their work. Whether we were cleaning up trails, helping with a food drive, or supporting a local nonprofit, I saw firsthand how students could make a difference in Laramie. This role pushed me to develop leadership skills I didn’t know I had; problem-solving on the spot, motivating groups of people, and communicating clearly with community partners. 

One of the highlights of my service journey was my Alternative Break trip to Williamson, West Virginia. Our group traveled there to learn about community health and support recovery efforts after severe flooding. We spent the week partnering with local organizations, assisting in projects that supported both immediate recovery and long-term resilience. What stood out most was how service wasn’t just about showing up to help; it was about listening. Community members shared their stories, struggles, and resilience, and it gave me a deeper understanding of how social issues like health, poverty, and natural disasters are connected. The Alternative Break program embodies the goals of service-learning: educating students about social issues, empowering leaders, and encouraging active citizenship. It was one of the most transformative experiences of my time at UW, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

Another meaningful role I held was serving on the SLCE Advisory Board. As a board member, I worked with other student leaders to support SLCE’s mission of promoting service, leadership, and community engagement across campus. This role gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how programs are built and sustained. I helped brainstorm ideas for events, supported volunteer initiatives, and collaborated with a passionate group of students who cared deeply about service. It was rewarding to be part of shaping the opportunities that other students could experience. 

Service at UW also extends into the Laramie community. Through SLCE, I volunteered with Laramie Interfaith, which provides food, housing, and financial assistance to individuals and families. Helping out during the school year gave me a way to stay grounded and connect directly with the community that supports us as students. And then there are Service Saturdays, which offer a chance to get involved every week in different projects around town. Each Saturday event is unique, from environmental cleanup projects to working with local nonprofits. It’s a great entry point for students who want to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start. 

Looking back, service has been one of the most impactful parts of my time at UW. These opportunities allowed me to grow as a leader, connect with people from all walks of life, and see how small acts can ripple outward into meaningful change. If you’re a student at UW, I can’t recommend enough that you check out the SLCE office and get involved, whether it’s through a Service Saturday, an Alternative Break, or even applying to be a site leader. You never know how these experiences might shape your path. 

Service has taught me that leadership is about listening, learning, and showing up for others. And at UW, there’s no shortage of opportunities to put that into practice. To learn more, check out the SLCE website, follow them on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events, and explore the Volunteer Hub, where you can log and track your volunteer hours throughout your time on campus.