One of the biggest questions people ask when looking for a college is: What are the students like? They look for a community of like-minded friends to be a part of.
However, I was recently reminded of harder questions: What should people strive to be like? More specifically: What kind of community have we created at the University of Mobile? During the recent snowstorm, I had an experience that both asked and answered this question.
A Record-breaking Snowfall
In case you didn’t know, Mobile recently received the biggest snowstorm in 130 years. In a region where snow is extremely rare, a record 7.5 inches fell on the city of Mobile and our campus. Simply put, it was awesome! My friends and I spent two full days doing nothing but playing outside. I believe that everyone else in the student body did, too. Even President Charles Smith came out to sled with us!
It was a good reminder that, sometimes, we simply need to celebrate and have fun. This, in itself, speaks volumes to the quality of UM’s student body. However, not everyone got to play outside.
An Overlooked Sacrifice
When I went to breakfast in Ingram Dining Hall on the second day of the snowstorm, I got to talking to some of the cafeteria staff. I found that not only did they spend the entire day inside serving us, there were only three workers on duty because of road closings and driving conditions! I realized that while we were playing, they were working to keep us fed.
Stepping Up to Serve
I felt convicted to help. I asked the SGA (Student Government Association) where I serve as a representative if they might consider volunteering to clean up The Caf over the next couple days. The response was overwhelming!
That night, we helped sweep floors and break down boxes, take out trash and wipe down tables. Not only did the SGA help, the UM Honors Program and even a few other people stepped up to clean up. In all, I think we had 15 people!
The biggest thing I remember was talking to one of the cafeteria managers, who told me his team was touched by the responsibility taken by those students who stepped up, and they felt seen and respected.
A Higher Calling
This act of service was more than just cleaning up. It gets at an important truth, that as Christians we must look for unexpected ways to serve one another as a reflection of the dignity that God has placed in every human – the dignity that Christ died to preserve.
For me, playing in the snow was a memorable experience. But even more memorable is the experience of working beside other students to live out Christ’s call to servant-leadership.
William Givens is a sophomore at the University of Mobile studying Philosophy with a minor in Biblical Studies. He is part of the Honors Program, represents the College of Arts and Sciences in the Student Government Association and runs cross-country and track for the Rams. William is from Montgomery, Alabama and enjoys reading The Classics and arguing about seemingly pointless things.