More than a hundred new Huskers kicked off their University of Nebraska–Lincoln experience by giving back to the community.
Urban Plunge, part of Big Red Welcome and organized by the Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement office, sent students into local organizations and nonprofits to volunteer Aug. 20. Focused on volunteer opportunities for first-year students, the event can help students familiarize themselves with their new home and introduce them to ways to get involved.
“They’re finding that pathway to help our community,” said Andrew Brown, assistant director of community engagement for SLICE. “This event really helps students get a snapshot of different nonprofits and different ways they can help, and helps them reach out that civic arm and do something good.”
Students volunteered with 10 local organizations: People's City Mission, Malone Center, Lincoln Children Zoo, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Linked2Literacy, Center for People, Conservation Nebraska, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, Lighthouse of Lincoln and the Salvation Army. They helped with tasks such as cleanup, gardening, sorting donations and food distribution.
Brown said offering this opportunity for incoming students right away can help them get into the community, but also with other new students.
“It’s a great way for them to make new connections, make some new friends that maybe are going to be in the same classes or live in the same residence halls,” Brown said.
Noel Johnson, a freshman psychology major on the pre-medicine track from Hallam, signed up with her new roommate and said the event seemed like an opportunity to connect with people after moving to campus. Johnson helped with trash cleanup at Trago Park.
“It’s a great way to meet new people while helping out,” she said.
Tom Tran, a freshman biochemistry major from Hastings, said he learned a lot about Lincoln through participating in the event. Tran helped clean out a storage area at the Malone Center. Only days after moving to the city to start classes, he said the event helped him discover new ways to get involved in the community.
“I was very surprised to learn there are so many organizations to volunteer with in Lincoln,” Tran said. “We need to learn more about unique parts of Lincoln about what the opportunities are to help. It’s very positive for students to be coming out and to start to broaden our horizons here.”
Johnson also learned more about her new neighborhood and what it has to offer, even after the volunteering event is over.
“I didn’t know there was a trail near campus,” she said. “There’s a lot of nature surrounding UNL. Also, we can see how we impact our community while staying close.”
While Tran is excited to start classes, he is also looking forward to continuing to learn about the Lincoln community.
“I think it’s cool to take advantage of the academic opportunities,” he said. “There are things I didn’t learn in high school or my smaller hometown that being able to go to college here can provide.”
Johnson is also ready for the other opportunities for personal growth her time at the university will provide her.
“I’m super excited to learn more about myself and discover what I’m truly passionate about,” she said.
