Dawg Daze

by Eleanor Hand - A University of Georgia student reports on her final year at school.

Find a cause and stick to it

 

Relay for Life 2008’s Mister Relay pageant complete with team-nominated competitors. After a question and answer session, the “ladies” sang a little something of their choice. Taylor Swift’s voice certainly seemed deeper than usual. But at 2:30 a.m., everyone was so jacked up on Monster and Vitamin Energy drinks that the tone-def singing just made the show more entertaining.

 

No, I’m not trying to convince you to go drag this weekend. It’s my plug for volunteerism.

 

I have participated in Relay each year of my college career and seen the hundreds of teams set up tents around the UGA track to walk throughout the night. Relay for Life raises money and awareness supporting the American Cancer Society in its goal to eliminate cancer. We remember those lost to the disease while celebrating the survivors.

 

You don’t have to join Relay, but find some organization to support during college. I still get chills at the opening and closing ceremonies. To be a part of something much bigger than you, the college or the community has countless rewards. Whether it’s Habitat for Humanity, Big Brother Big Sister or a local shelter, you can touch the lives of other people by taking a few hours out of your life each week.

 

I know schedules are packed. But when I see my late aunt’s luminary lit on the track, my hand-written thank you notes and team meetings seem trivial.

 

This year UGA Relay as a whole raised $202,497 (and still counting). My $2500 and change of fund raising serves as a mere one percent of the total, but that’s $2500 more toward fighting cancer. What can your time and effort do for a cause?