By Erin Ratigan/reporter
Whatever the NE Student Ambassadors are planning next, chances are it’s something charitable.
That is because the Student Ambassadors make up a community outreach group, representing the student body throughout the DFW Metroplex. Last semester, the group participated in a 5K against domestic violence, organized a park cleanup and volunteered at the Azle Animal Shelter.
Co-president Rebecca Reyes’ favorite event so far was when the ambassadors volunteered at Mission Arlington this summer.
“It was so hot, and it was hard work,” she said. “Yet it was probably the one [event] I felt most proud of at the end of the day.”
On that day, Reyes recalls seeing a little girl going through the trash to retrieve a ragged doll that had been thrown out.
“It really makes you think of how lucky you are and how much you should appreciate the little things in life,” she said.
One of the group’s most successful projects last semester was when it partnered with the Azle Animal Shelter for Spring Fest. By the end of the day, all of the animals brought on campus had been adopted.
Cheryl North, group adviser and NE sociology instructor, said ambassadors learn civic responsibility in the best way possible: through hands-on experience.
“Exposure to who’s out there and the kind of help they need … is all part of a well-rounded education,” she said.
North also said students better understand sociology when participating in charitable work. Whatever one’s talents, North said, there is always an organization that needs them.
The Student Ambassadors have several events planned for the remainder of this semester. These include sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving and hosting a Christmas party at Cook Children’s Hospital.
They will also hold a Thanksgiving canned food drive co-sponsored by the NE Dance Club. Several drop-off boxes will be placed around NE Campus for donations.
