Vanessa Rodriguez / Contributing writer
Volunteer work, mangroves and 9/11 memories will bring the Center for Leadership and Service and alternativeBreaks together this Saturday, Sept. 15, for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The event will happen from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Biscayne Bay Campus. The organization encourage students from both campuses to get involved and volunteer.
Students can get the shuttle from Modesto Maidique Campus to BBC. Check in is at 7:30 a.m. at the Graham Center Pit at MMC and 8 a.m. at the Wolfe University Center in Panther Square at BBC. Participants can expect lunch and refreshments.
“Last year, the event was very successful,” said Marie A. Olivas, an AmeriCorps VISTA member and a part of CLS. “Last year, almost 500 students volunteered for the event. This year, we expect a few hundred.”
During the event, students will participate in various physical tasks, such as doing a short shore clean up, replanting mangroves, pulling invasive plant species and planting various plants that attract endangered butterflies.
During the day of service, some students will also help with the University’s shared greenhouse at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High next to the Biscayne Bay Campus.
Students who want to participate in aB-BBC are required to attend the event.
“This event is awesome! aB uses it as an interview to be part of aB-BBC,” said Maria N. Reynaga, senior and aB site leader for winter break. “A completely different FIU population comes out.”
Her favorite part about being involved with service activities is meeting new people.
Nashira Williams, coordinator in the CLS, explained how this event has impacted students in the past.
“This day of service helped students became more involved on campus throughout the years.”
From 300 students being involved in this event in 2010, and almost 500 students later in 2011, more and more people are participating each year.
“The event also helps students understand the impact they have on the community,” said Nashira.
Olivas wants students to always remember 9/11 and to always keep in mind that it will help people work together for the future.
“We have to remember 9/11 in a way to show positive change in our country and community by coming together and working in unity to achieve something great.”
To sign-up students can go to the CLS website, leadserve.fiu.edu.
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