Spring Break
Editorial: Somebody's got to do it
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
03/26/09 - In journalism, students learn that everyone has a story. Though people may appear "average" on the surface, there's always something different or interesting about them if one looks hard enough.
But because there is such a multitude of unsung heroes in the world, 99 percent of them don't receive the credit or attention they deserve. Some of the most incredible people, in fact, don't even want attention for their accomplishments.
The kind of drive and passion that exists in these people isn't just confined to New York City firefighters, cancer researchers or high school teachers. There are unsung heroes walking down Butterfield Road every day, sacrificing their time to make some sort of contribution to the University of Rhode Island community while also trying to juggle studies, get ahead in the job market game and enjoy some kind of regular sleeping pattern.
But some students even give up the latter, working odd hours during the day or night and trying to balance schoolwork. Volunteers, like at the URI Emergency Medical Services, for example, spend hours of their days and nights on call to provide an important service to the student body. And while it's nice they were recognized for their achievements, there are so many others that don't get the same accolades.
URI also has volunteer firefighters who provide assistance in other types of emergencies. Though it might not seem as imperative to some, members of the Student Senate also sacrifice large amounts of time to ensure that students' needs are fulfilled and properly represented.
Even members of URI's commercial-free radio station, WRIU, are up at all hours of the night so others don't have to drive home to dead air.
If one was to ask any of these people why they do what they do, inevitably they could narrow it down to one simple phrase: "Well, somebody's got to do it."
These students and volunteers take on major responsibilities, some which might even make a difference between the life and death of a student, for little compensation.
The URI EMS doesn't function to win awards. The program is carried on the backs of volunteers who care about the community and want to do something meaningful with their time.
Sometimes solid appreciation can be the best reward.
It's that praise that sometimes gets volunteers through the less glamorous periods of their service to the community. Every group that is responsible for the health, safety and voice of other individuals knows that not every day can be "a good day." There are always hard times in light of sacrifice. The best feeling comes when individuals give praise to groups when it is unexpected.
But because there is such a multitude of unsung heroes in the world, 99 percent of them don't receive the credit or attention they deserve. Some of the most incredible people, in fact, don't even want attention for their accomplishments.
The kind of drive and passion that exists in these people isn't just confined to New York City firefighters, cancer researchers or high school teachers. There are unsung heroes walking down Butterfield Road every day, sacrificing their time to make some sort of contribution to the University of Rhode Island community while also trying to juggle studies, get ahead in the job market game and enjoy some kind of regular sleeping pattern.
But some students even give up the latter, working odd hours during the day or night and trying to balance schoolwork. Volunteers, like at the URI Emergency Medical Services, for example, spend hours of their days and nights on call to provide an important service to the student body. And while it's nice they were recognized for their achievements, there are so many others that don't get the same accolades.
URI also has volunteer firefighters who provide assistance in other types of emergencies. Though it might not seem as imperative to some, members of the Student Senate also sacrifice large amounts of time to ensure that students' needs are fulfilled and properly represented.
Even members of URI's commercial-free radio station, WRIU, are up at all hours of the night so others don't have to drive home to dead air.
If one was to ask any of these people why they do what they do, inevitably they could narrow it down to one simple phrase: "Well, somebody's got to do it."
These students and volunteers take on major responsibilities, some which might even make a difference between the life and death of a student, for little compensation.
The URI EMS doesn't function to win awards. The program is carried on the backs of volunteers who care about the community and want to do something meaningful with their time.
Sometimes solid appreciation can be the best reward.
It's that praise that sometimes gets volunteers through the less glamorous periods of their service to the community. Every group that is responsible for the health, safety and voice of other individuals knows that not every day can be "a good day." There are always hard times in light of sacrifice. The best feeling comes when individuals give praise to groups when it is unexpected.
