Civic Advancement with Isabelle

Transcript

Now let’s go to Isabelle, a senior Digital Marketing student from Greeneville, Tennessee. When students graduate from Tusculum University, faculty and staff members have prepared them to be even better citizens. This happens through a number of service activities and other programs that highlight the importance of civic engagement. Isabelle has been involved in a variety of initiatives to support the community. Let’s hear her story.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I never knew that I would be standing here on a college campus. I even had teachers in my past tell me that I would struggle if I decided to attend. I didn’t think that I would be good enough to be here, but the welcoming nature of Tusculum University quickly changed that. When I started college, my goal was to connect with others. My Pioneer peer pushed for me to apply for the Bonner Leader Program, a service-based organization, and one of the most active organizations on campus. I’m so happy I did, because the Bonner Leader program has given me endless opportunities to help so many communities. The Bonners participate in alternate spring break trips, and I’ve had the privilege to go to Asheville, North Carolina and Lexington, Kentucky, where we’ve performed community service outreach. We also perform voter registration drives for our Political Science program here at Tusculum. Our Center of Civic Advancement hosts Nettie Day every year in honor of Nettie McCormick, a benefactor of Tusculum who is passionate about civic engagement. We honor this with a day where Tusculum students, faculty and staff perform community service off campus. This is all part of Tusculum’s commitment to civic engagement. All new traditional students participate in the freshman Day of Service. Our athletic teams embedded community service as a mandatory part of playing a sport at Tusculum. Being connected to our communities and serving others are ingrained in our culture. Growing up, I watched my parents always helping others. Coming to college, I had no idea I’d be doing the same. Thanks to Tusculum University, I became more civically engaged on campus and in my personal life. I will continue to cherish these moments. That’s all for me, back to you, Alex.

– Civic engagement is a core element of the Tusculum mission and the student experience. It teaches students that connections with the community are an important part of life after graduation. Students embrace this principle and have made their mark on campus and in the community. Thanks again.