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 Since the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) began planning projects last fall, the number of students involved has steadily increased. Ember Melcher, a sophomore economics major and French minor, was involved with the CCE from the beginning.
"President Schall saw me at a school event and said that the Center for Civic Engagement was opening. He told me to keep an eye out, because there were projects coming up that fell into my areas of interest," Ember says.
Since she has been involved, Ember spends about three weekends every month (10 to 12 hours) working on projects for the CCE. Recently, she joined others from the center on a trip to New Orleans for Katrina Relief.
"Going back to New Orleans was especially meaningful because I went with Oglethorpe last year. There is still an amazing amount of work to be done in the city, but it has definitely progressed since my first visit," Ember says. "It's great to see that there is a strong volunteer presence in the city. People really do understand that New Orleans needs help."
Ember also feels that she has made a stronger connection with fellow students through the CCE. "The best thing about the CCE is that it promotes a sense of camaraderie; working next to someone is such an easy way to get to know him or her."
According to Ember, the CCE has helped students become more interested in volunteering. "The center makes it so easy to help out. They do a lot of work - they get in touch with people, provide transportation, etc. Once they make it easier to volunteer, people are going to want to help out."
Before coming to Oglethorpe University, Ember volunteered at her high school in North Carolina. On campus, she a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity on campus, Economics Club and Thalian Society. In her spare time, Ember enjoys reading.
She chose Oglethorpe because "it was the only place I toured where I found students that I could imagine talking to for four years. Volunteering alongside them is even better."
-By Marla Osti '10
Read more about Oglethorpe's Center for Civic Engagement. |
