Many students at MSU step up for their fellow Spartans by becoming donors themselves. Surrounded by the many resources offered on campus, these young donors recognize the importance of community support and are eager to make a positive difference for others.
“I just wanted to give back and support any way that I can,” says Ariel Downs. Ariel is a marketing and communications manager at MSU Greenline, and she looks forward to graduating this fall with a degree in sustainable parks, recreation and tourism. Being involved in campus programs brought her a sense of community that she is grateful for, and giving back is a way of saying, ‘thank you.’
It is a feeling unlike any other, according to Ariel. “By giving, people feel like they are not alone and they have the support they need. It's a great feeling to know that your gift really does make a difference.”
The support of fellow Spartans counteracts the pressure many students face attending a big university. “Campus is so big and it’s easy to feel like you have nowhere to turn,” says Ariel. “There are people who don’t even know me, who have my back.”
With their generosity, 824 Spartan students strengthened the community last year and helped create a safe environment for themselves and their peers.
“I personally understand how stressful financials can be and how that impacts your ability to learn, grow and enjoy your time at college,” says Elaina Rankin, a first-generation student in the College of Social Science. As an Advance-U intern and a manager at MSU Greenline, she observes Spartan generosity first-hand — and she wants to be a part of it.
Someday, she hopes to establish a scholarship for students. “I would just love to give back and assist others who are really trailblazing for their family and help them out throughout that journey.”
When it comes to giving, Elaina believes in doing what you can, when you can. “Many people don't realize what $5 or $10 could do for others,” she says. “Being able to take even a little bit of weight off a student’s shoulders is really the feeling that I would like to give with my giving.”