Lee students participate in "Random Acts of Service"
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Coram
Hosted by Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society, "Random Acts of Service" is in its 11th year at Lee. Throughout the years the event's popularity among students has grown. Starting with only six participants, the event has grown to 80 students who participated this semester.
About 30 Lee students served the people of Cleveland as they divided into eight teams competing against one another for the most acts of service performed.
President of Pi Sigma Alpha, Josiah Augustine, has participated in Random Acts of Service eight times.
'It's enjoyable to not know what's going to happen next and to help the poor,' Augustine said. 'There's a special team building effort because you're constantly collaborating with others in a way that's different compared to other service projects.'
Hidden under the guise of a scavenger hunt, Lee students were given the chance to approach service in a unique way. Students are split into teams of four with others they do not know and drive around Cleveland looking for chances to serve.
Freshman John Clinton said that the experience gives students a chance to build relationships with new people.
'It really builds community with the people you're working with,' Clinton said. "Having all that time, you can get to know people, whereas when you go somewhere and constantly work, you get so involved in that you miss the chance to meet new people.'
Because of the way "Random Acts of Service" is set up, groups may not have the chance to serve a lot of people in the Cleveland area. However, the purpose behind placing students in groups with strangers is to give them the opportunity to learn and minister to one another in some way.
Clinton said many groups wander around for about an hour getting rejected by people before someone opens up and gives them a chance to help.
Kyle Isaacs, second time participant, worked in a team that had this issue, however after some time doors opened for them.
'We did a lot of work outside,' Isaacs said. 'We raked leaves, pulled weeds, washed a car and helped organize a garage. This has really taught me that there's a need nearby that needs to be filled and anyone can fill it. You just need to be willing to step up.'
After about six hours of running around Cleveland, students come back together and reflect on their days. Some teams have a long list of different services they completed, while others only completed a few tasks, but everyone who participates is impacted in some way.
Sophomore Tabetha Holyfield said the experience was humbling and transformative.
'It's character building because you're getting outside of yourself,' Holyfield said. 'You're going up to a house where you don't know the person. It's awkward and you'll be nervous, but when people don't expect to be blessed, it means more because it's not set up. It's unexpected, and it makes it more special.'
