The Community O's - Bay State Clubs/Organizations spotlight

At Bay State College, the students who are involved in our clubs and organizations are exposed to a particularly unique educational experience. They act as student leaders on campus, promoting leadership, self-efficacy, and team-work – all which supplement concepts learned in the classroom. Bay State College clubs and organizations promote a sense of community on our campus and we are extremely proud of each one of them. This week, we shine the spotlight on the Community O’s, which have been active on campus for many years.

William Patten keeps pretty busy on the Bay State Campus. Not only is he the current president of the Community O’s, but he is also an SGA executive member and runs his own radio show. He is an Entertainment Management student and jumped at the chance to be interviewed to spotlight the club he leads.

Will became involved with the Community O’s last year after attending the Alternative Spring Break trip with his friend and mentor Andy Conception.  

“I had never experienced something quite like this, and helping this family rebuild their home from the Hurricane Sandy that hit a few years ago was heartwarming. The family was so appreciative and it was nothing but love the whole week. I also met some great people who I’m still friends with. It made me realize I wanted to keep doing service and so I joined the C.O.’s!”

The Community O’s are an excited group of students who are eager to provide community service to the underserved populations of our community.. all while having fun, making friends, and feeling pride in their service. So far this year the Community O’s have held one major event – they participated in the Samaritans annual 5K walk/run which raised money to support lifesaving services and resources for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Later this semester the club plans to help out at local food pantries, and is coordinating a potential volunteer opportunity to help a Dorchester high school with painting its top floor. In addition, they are hard at work planning their annual Alternative Spring Break trip for early next year, when they will travel down to Newark, NJ to work youth in the community.

If you are passionate about helping people and want to become more involved on campus, you might consider joining the Community O’s. In fact, you’ve been invited to join by their president himself: “We are a small, but very passionate and dedicated group of students who love doing service and really do want to help the community. We are also very welcoming and like to see new faces at our meetings which our held every Monday at 4 pm, in the 35 Comm Ave students lounge!  Come by!”.