Being Generous Makes You Rich

All around us, we hear news of the economic downturn.  Jobs are lost, businesses close, governments struggle with whether to cut programs for children, people with disabilities, or senior adults.  The news is grim and pervasive.

Although I hear these stories daily in my habitual wake-up with NPR’s Morning Edition, the testimonies became more real to me when we began to receive requests for financial aid to attend Branch Out alternative break trips.  Students told of layoffs that affected their parents, medical situations that have resulted in debt and lost work, and a lagging economy that has affected sales-based income.  Each story was unique, but each was heartfelt – many students spoke of their determination to continue with their education, and not put additional burdens on their families.  Some students are working two jobs, taking out loans, and finding every creative way they can to finance their own education.

What’s remarkable is that even under this stress, students are still looking to face the world with generosity.  They want to spend their winter, spring and summer breaks in communities around the country and the world to fight poverty, hunger, advocate for better jobs, build affordable housing, and administer needed medication.  I suspect that they know one of the greatest lessons we learn in giving to others: when you offer what you have to others, they offer what they have right back to you.  And you end up being richer for the exchange.

I believe that every student who wants to spend their time engaging with the community should be able to do so, regardless of financial need.  Because of the generosity of donors, we have been doing this for a long time for students working in community engagement over the summer.  By reprioritizing our spending, we are happy to be extending these opportunities to students participating in alternative breaks, too.  We as a campus and global community are richer for it.