The best thing you can give anyone in this world is a chance at a better life, and that is exactly what Indiana Hoosiers do with their philanthropic efforts.
Indiana University is known for a lot of things: our basketball team, the legendary Little 500 bike race and a campus-wide affinity for Pizza X (extra ranch, please). But if there is one thing that everybody should know about IU, it is that its students are always striving to create better tomorrows. We came to college to figure ourselves out and, thanks to IU, this journey of self-discovery encompasses giving back to others. Case in point: the hundreds of philanthropic efforts that take place on IU’s campus throughout the year.
Selflessness is instilled in every Hoosier, and I truly believe this giving nature comes from the countless opportunities we are given by our school. IU provides us with more than the traditional classroom education: we learn just as much, if not more, outside of Ballantine Hall when we are partaking in the other facets of college life. Faculty and staff strive to give the student body everything they need to pursue their passions. Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy chair, Liz Grote, attests to the support that Indiana gives its students and how it influences further philanthropic work. “We are giving back to a community that has given so much to us by supporting the organization that put on the event and the cause it is going towards.”
Indiana University has created a culture that values communal enrichment and, with that, we have learned the importance of ensuring we are giving back to communities that go beyond our own. Whether you are a freshman, a member of Greek life, an international student or part of any other subgroup, we all have one thing in common: we are Hoosiers, and we want to shape our four years around giving others a chance for a better life. We were given this kind of chance the moment we received our acceptance letters, so IU students know the power that comes from giving others a chance.
Our philanthropic efforts are based on a simple idea: we see the world for all that it is, all that it is not and all that it can be. When we see a cause that needs our support, we hit the ground running. Planning fun events raises money, but also raises awareness about various causes. Arjun Reddy, a brother of Phi Sigma Kappa, knows how enjoyable it is to take part in an philanthropic event. “Philanthropy events are always a good time because students are good at knowing what other students want to do,” he said.
I have witnessed the altruistic spirit of IU students multiple times. I am a strong believer in the idea that IU students do not rave about the importance philanthropy and then never get involved. Hoosiers walk the walk by going through every day with a "how can I help?" mindset. One instance of this will stay close to my heart forever.
After losing my close friend to cancer this past September, IU's Bookstore sent out an e-mail about an opportunity to donate money to St. Baldrick's Foundation, a charity that raises funds for research on childhood cancer. The campaign was simple: one picture with an encouraging message for children battling cancer would result in $1 donated to St. Baldrick's. I knew my one picture and $1 would make a difference, but I did not want to stop at myself. I reached out to various people on campus, rented a camera from the Journalism school and got to work.
Within two days, my friends and I had taken pictures of 170 students, which raised $170. This would have never been possible if there was not a willingness to help and make a difference. Not only was it satisfying to donate money to a cause that was closer to my heart than it ever was before, but it was even better to know that there were 170 pictures providing encouragement to children battling pediatric cancer; after all, it was their bravery and strength that sparked our desire to further motivate them.
The people we meet and help in our philanthropic efforts are constantly inspiring us to do more. Although volunteer work and philanthropy may be seen as one group of people helping another, assistance and compassion comes from both parties, making everybody involved a philanthropist.
According to their website, IU's Best Buddies “fosters friendships between college students at IU and people of the Bloomington community with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” The friendships that are developed provide mutual positive gains between the club members and their buddies. Best Buddies associate member, Brooke Pospychala says, “Nothing brings me more joy than to see a buddy light up from something as simple as a conversation at an event. I leave feeling fulfilled because, not only was I able to brighten their day, but their happiness inspires me to be more positive and have a simpler outlook on life."
The moment you become an Indiana Hoosier, you are told that you are able to achieve anything you set your mind to. This confidence is something that many students have acquired in their years in Bloomington, and it is a trait they instill in the individuals they impact with their philanthropic work.
Kelsey Sigman, Vice President of Community Service for Kappa Delta says, “Confidence and growth are our genuine platforms. We help others while empowering ourselves to do better and be better. We all hold each other accountable and are driven to give back.”
If you are skeptical about the philanthropic atmosphere of IU’s campus, then I have four words for you: Indiana University Dance Marathon. IUDM is the nation's second largest student-run philanthropic event, where over 1,000 IU students are figuratively — and literally — standing up for the kids and families of Riley Hospital for Children for 36 hours. Students forget about the everyday stresses of college life and are reminded of what is truly important.
Alli Martino, 2015 director of public relations, explains how the atmosphere of the dance marathon is more than an organization or a charity event. “IUDM is a family. We are not just some activity you do outside of class. We are a community of students with one common interest who connect to each other because of it. We take the meaning of family and portray it in all of our actions. IUDM participants work so hard because of our passion and dedication to bettering the children's lives at Riley Hospital for Children, while working side by side with one another."
There is an incredible bond on this campus of 40,000 undergrads that is truly astounding. I wanted to be a Hoosier when I realized that every day at IU brings the opportunity to take part in something bigger than oneself. I consider these moments to be the ones where you are doing something that helps, uplifts or inspires others.
There is something rather outstanding about taking part in something bigger than oneself. Perhaps it is the fact that our own personal issues are put into perspective, or maybe it is the sensation we get when we know that our actions are positively impacting other people's lives. For Indiana Hoosiers like Martino, it is as simple as knowing that with giving comes greatness. "Yes, you can live life within the boundaries, do what you’re told and be content," she said, "but genuine happiness comes from the unexpected adventures in life. It comes from giving."
