As a freshman, Molly Deaver came to The University of Alabama a week early, and she credits a successful first year to that decision.

Deaver, now a sophomore majoring in French and international studies, participated in the Honors College program Alabama Action.

Alabama Action is a service-learning program in which incoming Honors College freshmen help renovate county schools during the week prior to classes starting. This year, in addition to participating in various projects, students had the opportunity to hear guest speakers, participate in discussion groups and journal about their daily experiences.

“The program is led by upper classmen Honors students who have participated in Alabama Action in the past,” Susan Alley, faculty advisor for Alabama Action, said. “The student leaders plan a multitude of projects to be completed at the schools, as well as lectures, discussion groups and evening activities to help the freshmen learn the importance of civic engagement and get plugged in to a group of like-minded scholars before classes even begin.”

Deaver said because of the programs impact on her college career, she decided to return this year as a student leader.

“My freshman year really started out the right way because of my participation in the program,” Deaver said. “Right away I knew that I wanted to try and become a student leader next year and become part of that amazing team. This program does so much, not only for the Tuscaloosa community, but the incoming students as well.”

Alley said Alabama Action is a great way to start off a student’s college career on the right foot.

“They get familiar with campus, connected with Tuscaloosa, and plugged into the Honors College community before even going to their first class,” she said. “The program attracts students committed to community service, so this is a great way for them to carry out their passion and meet others who share their enthusiasm.”

Although the majority of Alabama Action takes place the week before school starts, Alley said Alabama Action students will return to the schools they served in throughout the year.

“We will return to the elementary schools for a field day as a way to meet the students and see the impact our freshmen made on the schools,” Alley said.

Students benefit from participating in volunteer work while they’re in college because it allows them to connect with the community they are serving while getting to know other students, Alley said.

“In the Honors College, we believe that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all,” Alley said. “Essentially, community service helps complete the education as you apply what you have learned in the classroom as the betterment of society.”

Deaver said participating in volunteer work is a great way to explore passions, discover new interests and make connections with fellow volunteers that could potentially help them in the future.

“Through Alabama Action, I’ve seen first-hand how wonderful the atmosphere can be when students work together in a group to reach a common goal,” Deaver said. “When these groups participate in community service, every obstacle, failure and accomplishment fosters teamwork and brings members closer together.”

She also said the biggest benefit to volunteering in college is that it opens your eyes to the bigger picture.

“It can reveal the real issues in the world, giving the student a valuable new perspective on life,” Deaver said.