Volunteering at BC

Seven weeks into the semester and the academic year is in full swing. Midterms are upon us all and the mood on the Heights is busy but not wholly stressed. I find that I always have a pressing academic endeavor, but with the help of effective time management, I am fortunately able to remove myself away from the grindstone and evaluate Boston College from the outside—as a person separate from the student in me. This salutary removal can take many forms, and for me it comes in the form of volunteering off campus every Thursday via 4Boston.

For those of you who are unaware, 4Boston is a student organization run by Campus Ministry that sets up volunteer opportunities all around Boston for BC students to pursue. The program is decidedly popular, attracting hundred of invitations annually—a testament to the importance of service to Boston College students. Each program asks for each participant to dedicate 4 hours of service per week along with an hour of weekly group reflection. The philosophy is that action without reflection risks futility and that reflection without action risks irrelevance.

My 4Boston involvement began freshman year when I began working at the Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) unit at the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton. Without delving into details about my individual placement, I will say that the volunteer opportunities I have pursued through BC have been invaluable. It provides the chance for students, who are learning to make a difference in the world later, to make a difference in the world now; whether it be educating adults at night school, mentoring kids at an after-school program, or building a Habitat for Humanity home on an Appalachia trip, the vast array of volunteer opportunities at BC lets the undergraduate experience improve with profound episodes in the “real world.”

So to you prospective students, if and when you do arrive on the Heights for freshman year, I would strongly encourage pursuing service—whether it be through Pulse, 4Boston, Appalachia, or Learning to Serve. It is a huge part of overall student involvement, and a great way to enhance your personal experience.

Until next time,
William

4Boston!

Hi again!

I wanted to just tell you a little about my experience volunteering with the 4Boston group. The group volunteers for four hours each week, with a one hour group reflection each week. At first, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that their three pillars, social justice, community, and spirituality meant a lot to me, and that I wanted to become a part of something important here at school.

After going through the application process and the interview that followed, I got chosen for my first choice and was so excited to get started! My choice, to volunteer with children at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, was something that I thought would enable me to gain experience in the field that I am interesting in focusing my career one while also helping families at the same time. It's been a whirlwind of an experience. I have grown so close to my group; weekly reflections, which I thought would be more of a hassle than anything, are greatly looked forward to and enjoyed. We have so much together, just sharing stories and laughing together, while also focusing on the very serious nature of the work that we do. I realize that we are a very integral community of volunteers at the hospital, and it's worth every minute I spend.

I work on a floor with newborns and a few toddlers who suffer from genetic disorders or very severe respiratory problems. Many spend their days alone, and have been in the hospital since birth, with the possibility of depending on machines to keep them alive for life. Sometimes I just get to hold the babies, and I look at their little fingers and try to give them the love and care that they deserve. I've realized that even a few minutes spent with a child in need is better than nothing at all.

I have several friends who volunteer at other 4Boston placements, and the similarities that exist are strong. Each one of us dedicates so much time to work for the betterment for others in the surrounding communities. Recognizing that others are in need of dire help is important, especially for those of us who are fortunate to be here at Boston College. It's great to know that we are recognized and greatly appreciated both within our school community and in the surrounding neighborhoods of children and their families.