Courtney TiptonSophomore
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Relay For Life-Not just an Organization
Coming into the second semester of my freshman year of college, academically I had done well, but socially I was lacking. Being a commuter student, it was difficult to consistently interact socially with other students, because I was not there on a consistent basis. I would typically prefer going to Chick-fil-a for lunch instead of heading to the cafe, or I would have to work in the afternoons and wouldn't be able to hang out after classes. I really wanted to get involved on campus and was seeking opportunities to do so.
One of my girlfriends had been in Relay for Life since the beginning of her freshman year and had encouraged me to get involved, suggesting that they needed an accounting chair. At first I was a little skeptical and hesitant, because though I wanted to join, I didn't know whether or not I would have the time to commit myself or what I could do to help. She suggested that I come to one of the meetings and try it out for myself; and when I did, I totally loved it! There was so much to do and so many things that I could do in the organization itself that I was ready to jump in and get started.
Being the accounting chair allowed me the time to develop skills of accountability, consistency, and persistence. It was a lot of work getting everything ready and in order for the actual Relay night, but in essence it was so much fun and I enjoyed every minute. Keeping things like the correct paper work in order and getting it to where it needed to go kept me on my toes. Also, about every week letters would come in that needed to be recorded and communicated to the Relay accountant. These things helped me also in meeting new people, developing better communication skills, and developing relationships with others through the interworkings of an organization. However, I would soon learn that Relay for Life was more than just an organization.
Part of my job as the accounting chair was, as the letters came in for luminaries, to record the names in an excel spread sheet in order to recall them later. As each one came in I realized more than ever the role that cancer plays in lives everywhere. This part of Relay probably had the greatest influence on my life, because with each letter came an individual story of bravery, struggle, and hope. It was so beautiful to be a part of this process, because we, as a team, also made out the luminaries, placed the sand and candle in the bags, and placed them on the track the night of relay. It was a momentous experience to be sure, knowing that these are people who have fought the battle of cancer and have either survived or lost. To the ones who have survived it is an empowering story of courage, of bravery, and of hope. To the ones who lost, it is remembering their life as one of immense courage and their impact in all of our lives.
So whether you are just coming into the SMC community or you've been around a while it is never too late to join in a cause that will be sure to impact you and your college community. Relay for Life is more than just an organization, but a way of life dedicated to aiding in the fight and cure for cancer. Will you be a part??
