Benedict Njai

This experience has taught me the importance of recycling and the benefit it provides to the community.

During this event, we walked around campus turning off unnecessary lights in buildings that weren’t being used. At first, it seemed like a small action, but as the night went on, I started to realize how much energy is wasted on a daily basis without people even noticing. As we moved from building to building, I became more aware of how often lights are left on in empty rooms. It made me think about how something so simple. just flipping a switch, can actually contribute to a much bigger issue like energy conservation and environmental protection. Being part of that effort made me feel like I was doing something meaningful, even though it didn’t take much time or effort individually. This experience also helped me become more mindful of my own habits. After volunteering, I started paying more attention to things like turning off lights when I leave a room or being more conscious about energy use in general. It showed me that sustainability isn’t always about big changes, it can start with small, consistent actions that add up over time. Working with others during the event also made it more enjoyable. We had to stay organized, communicate about which areas were already checked, and make sure we covered as much of campus as possible. It felt good to be part of a group that was focused on making a positive impact. this volunteer experience helped me see the importance of environmental responsibility in a more practical way. It made sustainability feel more real and something I can actively be part of, not just a concept people talk about. It encouraged me to be more intentional in my daily life and reminded me that even small actions can make a difference.

Volunteering again for Friday Night Lights sustainability gave me a deeper appreciation for how consistent, small actions can make a real difference over time. Even though the role was the same. walking through campus buildings and turning off unused lights. the experience felt a little different this time because I was more aware of the purpose behind what I was doing. Since I had done it before, I felt more confident and didn’t need as much guidance. I was able to move more efficiently and pay closer attention to details, like checking classrooms more carefully or making sure areas weren’t overlooked. It made me realize how experience can improve not just how fast you do something, but how well you do it. This time around, I also thought more about the long-term impact. One night of turning off lights might not seem like a big deal, but doing it regularly adds up. It helped me understand

My experience volunteering at doggie study hours was one of the most enjoyable and meaningful events I’ve been part of. This event involved therapy dogs coming to campus so students could take a break from studying and spend time with them. I helped support the event by being present, making sure things ran smoothly, and helping create a calm and welcoming environment for students who stopped by. At first, it seemed like a simple event, just students interacting with dogs, but I quickly realized how much of an impact it had. Many students came in looking stressed, overwhelmed, or tired, especially with exams and assignments. After spending even a few minutes with the dogs, you could see a clear change in their mood. People started smiling, laughing, and relaxing. Seeing that shift made me understand how important mental health breaks are, especially in a college environment. Being involved also helped me see the value of therapy animals. These dogs weren’t just there for fun. they played a real role in helping students manage stress and anxiety. It made me appreciate how nontraditional forms of support, like animal-assisted therapy, can be just as important as other resources on campus. This experience also connected to my own growth. As someone preparing to go into nursing, it reminded me that caring for people goes beyond just physical health. Emotional well-being matters just as much. Watching how something as simple as interacting with a dog could improve someone’s mood made me think about how I can incorporate compassion, comfort, and holistic care into my future career. Overall, doggie study hours showed me how powerful small moments of joy and connection can be. It reinforced the importance of supporting others in ways that may seem simple but are actually very impactful. This experience made me more aware of the different ways people cope with stress and inspired me to continue being involved in activities that promote well-being and community

For my service experience, I volunteered as a guide for Bowling Green State University nursing tours. I guided prospective students through the nursing school, explained the structure of the program, and shared information about classes, labs, and student expectations. Prior to this experience, I viewed nursing tours mainly as informational events and did not fully understand how influential they are in shaping students’ confidence and decisions about pursuing nursing. In the future, I hope to continue supporting nursing outreach efforts by volunteering for tours, mentoring prospective students, and sharing my experiences honestly. Within my circle of influence, I can help students feel informed and encouraged as they explore nursing as a career path.