Like the idea of “pay it forward” or “what you sow, you will reap,” then serving others, will not only benefit the one being served, but will have a positive effect on the server as well, which can in turn have an exponential impact on the world at large. Students at Moorpark College will have an opportunity to participate in serving others with the “Year of Service” promoted by Professors John Grey and Kathryn Adams, “with the hope of bringing the students together to create a more understanding and compassionate society” said Grey.

“We all realize how important service is to our communities at any time, said photography Professor Grey, ” but in this time, with deep economic, social and political concerns, it is even more important. The tradition at Moorpark College, as with most institutions, is one of service and so it seems natural that we participate.”

During the Year of Service, students are encouraged to volunteer on campus, their own local communities and beyond. Students can participate in various events sponsored on campus, such as the Service Fair in February, which will feature a speaker from One Laptop Per Child, and a recycling program. “Or, if they are interested, they could join the committee and share their ideas.” said Grey, “We are always looking for ideas. Students can collect their hours and let us know how many hours of service they have performed each month which will go towards meeting our 1 million hours of service by 2012. Most importantly they can contribute to their communities through service, whether that community be the college, the city, the state of the nation.”

Service is defined as the action of helping or doing work for someone else. This brings us to the idea of the “Golden Rule” which is to do unto others as we would have done unto us. It’s so simple and overstated that sometimes we take it for granted and forget how important it truly is. How would you like to be treated? Kindness, understanding, love? Putting someone else before yourself is where service begins, this is how the world can be changed for good.

A simple act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. It is impossible to see the full effects that service can bring, but if you are wondering what good it could do, simply think of how you would like it, if you were on the receiving end. Get involved. Serve your college, your community, your world. Help to make it a better place.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Check out the Year of Service website, at www.moorparkcollege.edu/yos.