STORIES OF SERVICE-
Furman students' stories of their volunteering experiences in Greenville! Submit your own story of service to furmanhellerservicecorps@gmail.com .
Carrie Seigler '14, Frazee Dream Center
A few spare afternoons at the Frazee Center evolved into a full-time summer internship, one which dramatically shaped me into who I am today. Now, every time I am at the Frazee Center, I know that the outcome of my service is two-fold: not only am I able to contribute to my community by investing into the lives of children who desperately need love, but the Frazee children in turn contribute to my life by daily showing me joy, positivity, and hope. After spending time with my kids at Frazee, I always return to Furman renewed with a passion to see the Furman community linked tightly with those less fortunate in the Greenville community. Furman students have so much to offer to the people of Greenville, and I know that my four years here couldn't be spent doing anything other than utilizing my resources and capital to help and love those around me well.
Zach Prudowsky '11, Camp Spearhead
If there's one thing that I've come to appreciate when working with people with special needs, it's that life should not be measured by what holds you back, but what you still do instead despite such so-called "restrictions." Through serving at Camp Spearhead as a volunteer during the year and a cabin counselor during the past two summers, I have witnessed so many amazing things from the campers, and they in return have given me opportunities to learn so much about myself. Nowhere else would you see someone in a wheelchair one moment, climb to the top of a military-grade alpine tower the next. Nowhere else would you guide a person who is both deaf and blind to do the same course. Spearhead is an amazing place, and the relationships that I have built with the people of this camp have been nothing short of priceless.
Allison Davey '14, Greenville Humane Society
I recently became involved with the Humane Society's volunteer program. I grew up with pets, and I love working with animals. I work with puppies: helping clean cages, making sure the animals have water, and helping adopting families find the right dog for their home. Volunteering has become a very important part of my week. Most people don't realize the amount of work that goes into taking care of an animal, and I believe my work at the Humane Society has helped me educate others on the responsibility a pet requires, and how to take care of a pet correctly. It's important that families know what they are getting into before adopting, because many just choose a dog based on looks before researching specific needs of the animal. My time with the Humane Society has been very educational and enjoyable, and I appreciate every time I get to volunteer.
Leah Hassler '13, Big Brothers Big Sisters
I first became involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when I came to Furman because I have 3 younger siblings at home. I missed them terribly and really wanted to replicate the kind of relationship I have with them while at school. Finding a little sister through BBBS was the perfect solution. My little sister, Jada, is a spunky little 9 year old whom I visit twice a week. We play games, work on homework, and talk about life. She teaches me something new every day, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to interact with her. Meeting Jada has truly been one of my most treasured experiences at Furman, and one for which I will forever be grateful.
Leland Frost '12, Habitat for Humanity
How do you spend your Saturday mornings? My friends and I like to spend our Saturdays building Habitat for Humanity homes for those in need from Traveler's Rest to Greer. I was fortunate enough to become involved with Habitat my freshman year as a timid and over-involved freshman; I still remember the first meeting where everyone probably thought it would be the only Habitat meeting I would attend. However, I relish Habitat and, over past three years, have had the opportunity to give three Greenville families homes and a new start. It can be hard to drag yourself out to a build site at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday, but as soon as I see the smiling faces of homeowners and friends, the day flies by. I always sleep well after a hard day working for Habitat because I know I made difference for a deserving family.
Anna Whitworth '12, Frazee Dream Center
Through Heller Service Corps, I have the opportunity to volunteer for Frazee Dream Center. My time with this organization has been an unforgettable blessing. It is often easy for me to rest within my "Furman bubble" and forget that what I learn in college is not solely for myself, but also for the benefit of my community. As a volunteer at Frazee Dream Center, I am placed in a position to act as a role model, teacher, and friend to at-risk children in downtown Greenville. I have the opportunity each day to watch 'my kids' take another step forward as they grow and learn in so many ways. It is thrilling to be useful to that purpose, whether by helping children read or teaching them how to play Ultimate Frisbee. These children are encouraged to work hard and love everyone, and I get to help! Heller Service Corps is a valuable organization that Furman students can use to connect with Greenville and find the ways in which their desire to serve meets a need in their community. I know that what I have learned at Frazee I will carry with me through life. I encourage you to use Heller Service Corps and find your own enriching serving experience!
Tyler Munson '14, SC Can Go
I was really hesitant when I first was asked to be a part of South Carolina Can Go. It seemed like a daunting task to organize a service project with 25 volunteers to help first-generation college applicants apply for college. However, when I went into that high school and began sitting with those students and methodically going through each application, my nerves disappeared. Many of those students never considered college as an option for them. However, once the Heller team and I began to help them with their applications and tell them that yes, they could go to college, I saw a light in those students' eyes that I will never forget. Their voices were full of enthusiasm and eagerness as the considered a different future than the one they had planned. It was at that point I realized the importance of the SC Can Go project and the impact that the Heller Service Corps was having in the Greenville community. I can honestly say participating in that service project has been one of most fulfilling experience in my Furman career.
Maddison Hall '14, Legal Dept., South Carolina Dept. of Social Services
I have always known that I would be an attorney, so when I heard about Heller Service's Corps' new Legal Division I was ecstatic. I never imagined that I would stumble upon a chance to work within the Legal Department at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Upon my first interview, I knew that this would be an unforgettable experience. I quickly learned the ropes of the office, and I began realizing just how crucial the work that the paralegals and attorneys at DSS do is. I felt appreciated every day, as the attorneys explained to me how useful having an extra pair of hands around is. Although the volume of cases coming in largely exceeded that of those leaving the office, I loved seeing justice come to the children and vulnerable adults that DSS strives to protect and knowing that I played a part in the process.
