Volunteer college students #Represent @theWoods!

University and college students play an important role in the ministries of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Many students enjoy giving back to the community in which they now call home. Meet some of our wonderful helpers and learn about the good work they are doing!

SMWC Student Volunteer Hunter

A freshman marketing major originally from Virginia, Hunter has settled into the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) life.

“It feels welcoming,” he said. “Everybody here is nice. It’s the type of community that everybody really cares about each other.”

Having volunteered since he was a child, Hunter was happy to find volunteer work on his campus. The White Violet Farm Store is the placement he chose to complete volunteer hours for a class. His volunteer duties include greeting and assisting customers, completing financial transactions and helping with other projects as they pop up.

Of his volunteer experience so far, Hunter said, “I enjoy meeting people … everyone comes here with different stories. I enjoy talking to them.”

In what free time Hunter has, he likes to workout and train for the SMWC football team and play video games. When he graduates, he would like to open his own business or be a sports trainer.

ISU Student Volunteer Emma

A junior at Indiana State University (ISU) studying geography and sustainability, Emma learned about White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, through an online search. The farm piqued her interest and she applied to volunteer.

While thinking about her time thus far at White Violet Center, Emma reflected “I really enjoy getting to work outside and learning about the sustainable practices they implement here.”

Volunteering for the Sisters of Providence started off as a need for one of her classes, but Emma just applied and was accepted as one of the White Violet Center summer interns. Part of the internship program is living on campus in community with other interns, participating in enrichment activities and working full-time in the gardens.

Emma likes to run and paint in her spare time. But probably not at the same time!

RHIT Student Volunteer Evan

Hailing from St. Louis, Evan is a junior mechanical engineering major at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT). After college, he hopes to work in product management.

When thinking about his time at RHIT, he said “It’s challenging, but it’s very structured. It forces me to focus on school work.”

Evan has been helping Sister Maureen Fallon at Providence Food Pantry since the start of the year. He volunteered to pick up food from Catholic Charities, deliver it to the food bank and help with sorting.

“I enjoy (volunteering) because I felt like I was helping the sisters out and making a difference,” Evan said.

When Evan is not working on school assignments, he likes watching and playing sports.

SMWC Student Volunteer Molly

Originally from southern Indiana, Molly is a freshman nursing major at SMWC and hopes to be a nurse practitioner one day.

As a self-proclaimed cradle Catholic, Molly was drawn to SMWC and contacted the Volunteer Services Department with an interest in visiting the residents and Sisters of Providence who live in Providence Health Care.

“I really enjoy being around older people … being able to spend time with them and hear their stories. I love doing it,” Molly said.

Molly currently helps with BINGO and with one sister in particular.

“Sister Alice Ann Rhinesmith has a special place in my heart,” Molly explained. “She gives good advice. We’ve made a lot of connections.”

Amidst her busy schedule of volleyball practice and being part of the SMWC Presidential Core leadership group, Molly finds it important to make time to serve others.

A big Thank You!

The sisters are so grateful for all help we receive from the community. A very special thanks to Hunter, Emma, Evan, Molly and all of our college volunteers! Your time and talents are very much appreciated and are a shining example of the continuing good work of the Sisters of Providence.

No matter what college one attends or what major, interests, or career one has, there are many ways to get involved with the Sisters of Providence.

Currently, we are in need of volunteers to help on Thursday mornings at Providence Food Pantry, as sales assistance at Linden Leaf Gifts and the White Violet Farm Store, as CDL drivers to accompany sisters around town for special events, as Eucharistic ministers during Mass, as White Violet Center farm workers, with office assistance, with help delivering flyers around town and much more!

For more information on volunteering for the Sisters of Providence, contact me at volunteer@spsmw.org or call 812-535-2878. Learn more about volunteering with the Sisters of Providence at Volunteer.SistersofProvidence.org