By: Hilary Hughes
Saturday, Sept. 15, some of Milligan’s Institute for Servant Leadership scholars dedicated their time serving at Pine Ridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Elizabethton, Tenn.
Students spent two hours visiting with elderly people. Shon Blevins, the assistant director of Pine Ridge said the residents often see no visitors at. Student volunteers spent their time talking and listening to the patients and even pushed patients around in wheelchairs so they could enjoy the outdoors. Blevins said he has been working at Pine Ridge for a year now.
“The Lord sent me here,” said Blevins. “It’s about the only job you can go to and get paid to be a blessing.”
Junior ISL scholar, Angela Highfield, helped plan the service Saturday event and agreed that serving is a “blessing.”
Highfield spend the afternoon visiting a woman named Claire and had the chance to hear her story.
“Being an ISL scholar is an opportunity to be in the community,” said Highfield. “It’s almost like being a blessing to others.”
Matthew Waeckerle, also an ISL scholar, volunteered at Pine Ridge too. Waeckerle served in many other areas in the community but said serving at Pine Ridge was different.
“You get to be involved directly with the person,” said Waeckerle. “It’s definitely a good experience.”
Waeckerle talked a woman named Evadean Markland. Markland was thankful for his visit.
“At least I got somebody to talk to,” said Markland.
It may not seem like much, but students spending time on Saturday with an elderly person means a great deal to the community at Pine Ridge.
According to the ISL booklet, the Institute for Servant Leadership is a scholarship program designed “to nurture the hearts and minds of a new generation of servant leaders for the church and society.”
Beth Anderson is the ISL director who helps students discover their callings through service.
“ISL’s purpose is to help students discover their calling through service, faith and leadership,” said Anderson. “It’s an opportunity to explore your skills and helps you discover who you are.”
Some Milligan students appreciate the opportunity provided by ISL.
“Through ISL I’m able to take advantage of volunteering in my community,” said Breanne Baudinot, a sophomore involved in ISL. “I’ve been to a variety of places and performed different activities to create a smile on someone’s face and it’s also brought me joy as well.”
milliganstampede
