Learn about your own carbon footprint. Strange as it may be, some people don’t know what a “carbon footprint” is. In a nutshell, your carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced. To measure your own carbon footprint, and learn ways to offset it, you can go to http://www.CarbonFund.org.
Save energy and money. You can conserve the water you use, by just turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Some people I know even turn off the shower while they are lathering up. I have put out several large pots and one barrel to save up rain water for my front porch window box garden. Of course, we all know about recycling, which has thankfully become rather mainstream lately. Recycling containers are all over campus - so collect your paper, cans, glass, etc and recycle rather than just throw it away. It’s difficult to do it all when you are a student - rent an apartment, pay bills, work, study, socialize, - but any little thing you can do, helps us all in the long run.
Give back. Even as a busy student, if you take a segment of time to give back, then you will feel the rewards yourself. You can work as a mentor, helping to guide and nurture the dreams of someone else, or you might want to volunteer on campus, or within the community. ASU offers several venues to help you find mentoring/volunteer activities.
For campus and community volunteer opportunities, visit the Appalachian and Community Together (ACT) office at http://act.appstate.edu or on the second floor of the Student Union. You can also find potential volunteer opportunities at the Peer Career Center- http://www.peercareer.appstate.edu, also located on the second floor of the Student Union by McAlister’s Deli.
Other opportunities might be available for you to assist students through the Writing Center - http://www.writingcenter.appstate.edu, or through the Tutoring Center at http://www.tutoring.appstate.edu. Clubs and organizations within your major may also offer opportunities for you. There are a lot of ways that you can give back right here at ASU.
Join a Club/Organization - There are many organizations on campus that allow you to volunteer your time and efforts through community service. Visit the CSIL webpage for more information on organizations that might interest you – www.csil.appstate.edu
All of these opportunities can help you to make a difference. Not to mention the fact that they are excellent resume builders! You can develop skills and experiences that will help you to succeed now, and after you graduate. So get involved today!
If you want to discuss other ways that you can make a difference, call the Career Development Center at 262-2180 and schedule an appointment with your Career Counselor. Also, watch for advertisements about our spring Making a Difference Career Fair – coming up in March 2010.
