My College Cares brings MCC, community together
For Meridian Community College students, My College Cares Day was about more than completing a service project.
It was a chance to step into the community, meet people, and see how their time could make a difference.
More than 600 MCC students and employees spent Tuesday morning volunteering at 35 locations across Meridian and Lauderdale County as part of the College’s annual day of service.
Ellie Williams, interim director of housing and student activities at MCC, said the event reflects the close relationship between the College and the community it serves.
“The College wouldn’t be what it is without the community,” Williams said. “This day gives our students a chance to make those connections and see the community beyond the campus.”
Those connections took many forms throughout the event. Volunteers picked up trash, sorted donations, landscaped, painted, organized supplies, and spent time with residents at local care facilities.
At a local free clinic, students in MCC’s Medical Assisting Program worked on projects that supported patients and clinic staff.
Gloria Adams, instructor and coordinator for the Medical Assisting Program, said service is an important part of preparing students for careers in health care.
“Community service gives back to the community,” Adams said. “That is part of continuing education for medical assistants, to give selflessly to the community.”
Adams said her students complete community service each semester outside of My College Cares, and the program has returned to the clinic many times over the years.
Past projects have included painting shutters, working in flower beds and organizing supply areas. This year, students prepared patient information packets on topics such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Materials were organized in both English and Spanish, and students also helped straighten the clinic’s office supply area.
“It’s whatever they need,” Adams said.
For first-semester Medical Assisting student Jada Hall, the work offered a simple reason to take part.
“It just makes me happy,” Hall said. “I can do something to help other people.”
Hall said the Medical Assisting Program has also helped her become more comfortable around others.
“I’m kind of shy,” she said. “It helps me be more comfortable around other people and not be as shy. And I like helping people. I like seeing people smile.”
She said the best part of the day was knowing the clinic could use the extra help.
“Helping them,” Hall said. “I know they need help.”
For Williams, moments like those are part of what My College Cares is meant to create. The service projects meet practical needs, but they also give students a better understanding of the people and organizations around them.
For Adams, the day also offered a chance to watch her students put service into practice.
“I’ve got a really good bunch of students,” she said, “and they’ve made me proud today.”
For more information about My College Cares, visit meridiancc.edu.