THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
Saluting Student Service at the College of Charleston
JESSICA RIVERS
Building a Better Tomorrow

by Renee Bodie

JESSICA RIVERS
Jessica Rivers, an Honors student at College of Charleston, began volunteering her sophomore year. She saw a flyer for Habitat for Humanity and decided to go to the meeting. Little did she know she would become the president of the college’s Habitat chapter and remain the president for four years. Along with fundraisers, conventions and other activities, Jessica works on Habitat houses from 8-12 a.m. every Saturday morning. “I love to see how the other volunteers are changed by volunteering," Rivers said.  "We are all at such a selfish stage in our lives and it feels good to volunteer.”  When Jessica joined the college's Habitat chapter it was basically dormant. After four years of perseverance and hard work the chapter now has more than 300 members. “I had no idea I was a leader," she says.  "I love being a leader and I care about people other than myself."

 
Hometown:  Chesterfield, S.C.
Major/Degree objective:  English and Spanish
Expected Graduation:  December 2004
Current volunteer activities:  Every Saturday morning  I work on a Habitat house in the area.
What are you most proud of contributing to your organization: The organization was so small when I got involved and now there are over 300 members.
What do you enjoy about community service: I like to see how it changes others who volunteer. We are all at such a selfish stage in college working to achieve our own personal goals, it feels good to help out others.
Most memorable volunteer experience or experiences: Habifest is a nationwide event where college chapters come together to raise awareness and educate others about Habitat for Humanity.
What have you learned about yourself through volunteering: I had no idea I was a leader.  I love leading people!
How do you think your friends and co-workers would describe you: They would say that I am too busy, over worked, but happy to be doing everything that I am doing.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering: You feel a lot better about yourself and you realize that people really are doing things that make a difference.
Website(s) and phone numbers for more information about your community service organization:
Habitat for Humanity Home Page
College of Charleston Habitat Home Page

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