By Brittany Bailer
At the 10th annual Day of Service, Howard University students and faculty embraced the University motto, “Truth and Service,” with service projects throughout the city.
Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS) is a student-led event that helps acclimate students to the University and Washington, D.C. community by providing individuals, of all faiths and backgrounds, an opportunity for team building with their peers while contributing to surrounding communities. Day of Service activities are organized by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel at Howard University.
“We are pleased to have more than 700 first-year students answer the call to service,” said Leelannee Malin, Ph.D., associate dean of community engagement and strategic partnerships. “This volunteer experience allows students an opportunity of self-discovery through civic and social responsibility, ultimately contributing to their development as ethical leaders.”
At Anacostia High School, Howard students helped teachers prepare their classrooms and offices for the beginning of the school year. Interactions with high school students and teachers exposed volunteers to new perspectives on the Washington, D.C. community.
“The principal talked to us about how Anacostia High School can sometimes have a bad reputation due to its surrounding community, and it’s just important for us to not let stigmas control our perceptions because this is a great high school. The staff I spoke to were very excited to interact and prepare to be with the students,” said junior chemical engineering major Isaiah Roberts.
Participation in HUDOS allowed students the opportunity to volunteer in several community service initiatives at more than 55 locations throughout the metropolitan area. Volunteers traveled to the Anacostia and Congress Heights neighborhoods, as well as to Silver Spring, Maryland, to engage in environmental, education and poverty initiatives.
