When I was a freshman coming into Cedarville, I remember being overwhelmed not only by the adjustment to college life, but also by the number of opportunities presented to me. One of the first things I was really interested in before even arriving on campus was getting involved at Cedarville, but I wondered how to go about it and what I should pursue. It was then that I heard about the Involvement Fair, which happens within the first few weeks of classes. It was here that I got connected with a lot of the orgs and churches that I eventually visited and worked with.
Getting involved in a Student Organization (org for short) completely changed my experience at Cedarville and enhanced it in so many ways. It gave me an outlet to get off campus, inspired me to pursue passions that I didn’t even know I had, and also gave me an opportunity to become a Global Outreach Leader. Cedarville truly has a place for everyone to be involved. We have different groups and organizations to join and evangelism opportunities, such as building relationships with international students at local colleges, working alongside Samaritan’s Purse with our Operation Christmas Child box project, getting involved in the International Justice Mission org, jail ministry, sports orgs, and so much more!
For me personally, as I was touring the Involvement Fair my sophomore year at Cedarville, I was immediately drawn to the horseback riding ministry. Little did I know that my love for horses and being outdoors would also coincide with working with special needs kids and adults. I began volunteering at the Riding Centre in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The center is only about a 15-minute drive from campus, and I went every opportunity I had. Normally our volunteering hours would happen during chapel time, so my teammates going that week would request an excused absence from chapel and would spend an hour or so at the Centre. It was here that I began pouring myself into service and found my love for equine therapy. After serving in this ministry for so long and so consistently, I became the Global Outreach Leader the following semester and continue to lead it as I near my senior year at Cedarville.
Although volunteering at the Riding Centre and working with special needs kids and adults was something that I never saw myself working in, I absolutely love it and look forward to every time I go each week. Don’t hold yourself back! There is something for everyone to get involved in, and I would highly encourage every incoming student to pursue campus involvement, whether in something that has been an interest to you for a long time, or something new, even if it will get you out of your comfort zone!
I hope that this post was helpful and encouraging for you. Feel free to ask people you see on campus about the various orgs there are, including ones that they themselves may be a part of. Again, no matter what major you are or what passions you hold dear, there is something for you. Come out to the Involvement Fair August 20 from 6-8 p.m. to find what you would love to get involved in this upcoming semester. I hope to see you there!
Majoring in International Studies, class of 2022
Where I’m From: Easton, Maryland
Favorite Class: Cross Cultural Ministry/World Religions
Go-To Rinnova Order: Iced Boston with a shot of vanilla
Tags: #activities, #experience, #involve
Posted in: Student Life