By: Liz Wong
To say the Fall Day of Service was a success would be an understatement. There was a record breaking number of participants this year according to 2L PILS Community Service Chair, Sara Richards. Last year, there were about 40 students that participated. With over 125 participants, the event received nothing but positive feedback both from students and the community. This year students were able to volunteer at a number of different sites: Habitat for Humanity, BREC, Connections for Life, Cat Haven, Companion Animal Alliance, Friends of the Animals, Thrift stores, and THRIVE.
LLM student, Thakshila Jaya
singhe, volunteered at Companion Animal Alliance. She was able to “socialize with the cats” and her love of animals made her experience worthwhile. Jayasinghe states, “It was organized very well and I loved the whole experience. I hope there will be many more events like that.” The positive feedback didn’t stop th
ere. 3L student, Sharica Gray, had equally positive remarks about the event as well. Gray volunteered at a thrift store. She decided to participate because it’s her last year and she has never participated in the fall event. Sharica spent her Saturday organizing clothes and antiques and states, “It’s fun being able to experience peers outside of school and help others simultaneously.” You can bet on seeing Sharica at the Pause for a Cause event next semester! When asked what she would tell a 1L next year about the event, Gray said, “This event is a good way to get to know the need in the Baton Rouge community. Take a break from studying to serve, have fun, and earn hours toward the crawfish bowl at the end of the year.”
3L PILS President, Lauren Bradberry volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for the event, where she helped build the frame of a home! Bradberry commented “I love volunteer work. As law students, we are all pretty inwardly focused, because you kind of have to be. Doing service work helps bring me back to reality and to connect with people in my community. It helps remind us that being a law student and future lawyer is more than academics.” Bradberry, as well as many of the other volunteers, enjoyed interacting with fellow law students that they normally would not. In addition, many volunteers voiced how much they enjoyed spending time with community members as well.
When asked what she would say to a 1L next year about participating, Bradberry said, “As I see it, you cannot study 24/7, it’s impossible so you have some amount of free time. What you chose to do with your free time really makes your law school career. I personally like giving back (and to sprinkle in some social events). Plus, it gives 1Ls an opportunity to interact with upperclassmen.”
Hats off to Sara Richard, 2L Community Service Chair, and the rest of PILS for such a successful event. Hoping to see as many participants next semester at Pause for a Cause! If anyone is interested in getting more involved in community service, shoot an email to PILS at lsupils@gmail.com for information on events throughout the year.