For many university students, a rare brush with community service usually happens as punishment after some offense.
However, for some community service is a fun and rewarding experience and anything but punishment.
"I've met lots of students, and its fun to help out around campus and in the Buffalo community," said Desseire C. Fahie, a junior social sciences major.
Fahie is a member of the Community Action Corps (CAC), a prominent community service on campus. Their activities range from "Habitat for Humanity" to "Children's Carnival," an annual carnival for children in the low financial end of Buffalo.
There are many reasons why students join community service clubs. Most dedicated members do not join just to use it as a resume-builder.
Cuthbert A. Onikute, a junior African-American studies major and the Executive Director of the CAC, said he is devoted to his community service organization without a focus on recognition.
"I don't even think about the resume aspect, there is so much more to it than that," he said.
The CAC is a growing club, with 150 people on their listserv, and fifty active members. They are located in 370 Student Union, where they share an office with Circle K, another UB service club.
Lindsay Yost, a freshman communication, and secretary of Circle K said her organization takes pride in offering their assistance to the community.
"Through Circle K I feel like I have touched many peoples lives," she said. "Circle K give me a way to help with so many great organizations like Ronald McDonald House, American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity, and help out around the community."
Although Onikute spends three to four hours a day in the CAC office, he noted that not everyone has to devote as much time as he does, and it is easy to get involved.
"Just leave a note to be added to the listserv. Its up to you how much time you want to participate," he said.
Onikute and Fahie agreed that there are countless advantages to service clubs. Whether it is meeting new people or helping out in the community, the time spent in service clubs is meaningful.
"The time goes by really fast, whether you're patching up walls, serving food, or playing with kids," said Fahie.
"It is worth it to make time out of your busy schedule and participate in community service," she said.
However, for some students that is easier said than done. Demanding academic schedules and other activities sometimes prevent some students from joining.
Zachary Schrader said he has this problem. The junior history major is Parliamentarian of the Residence Hall Association and vice president of Hall Council for Governors complex.
"Between my academic commitments and other obligations, I unfortunately don't have time to devote myself to a community service club," he said.
Other groups on campus lend themselves to directly assisting in protecting the safety of the students on campus.
Two female students interested in promoting women's safety at UB founded the Anti Rape Task force in 1975. As well as increasing awareness, they have student escorts available to walk or drive individuals to their destinations on and around campus.
Joshua Kramer, a freshman with an undecided major, said he is proud to be part of the Anti-Rape Task force.
"Just knowing that one person feels safer because of us is a truly rewarding feeling," he said.
Whether it is the CAC, Circle K, Anti-Rape Task Force or one of the other service clubs available on campus, all are working hard to make UB and the surrounding community a better place.
"It may not be so glamorous, but we make the community and the world a little better, which is a great feeling," Kramer said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
