UMB students take a break from their studies to stuff bears and bring joy to pediatric patients through a heartfelt service event.
Photo: Malika Brown, middle, hands an unstuffed bear to a student during the Warm Wishes Workshop on Sept. 10 in the SMC Campus Center.
At the start of the fall semester, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) comes alive. The University welcomes thousands of new students eager to find their place alongside returning students diving back into their routines. As they settle in, what distinguishes UMB's culture from other institutions becomes clear. While the University may not have a collegiate sports team to rally behind — who needs one with Camden Yards as a neighbor — UMB's school spirit is defined by each student's commitment to serving the public good. UMB students aren't just here to learn. They're here to make a difference.
Some students' commitment to service extends beyond the classroom and into their free time. Among them is Raheel Raad, a student at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). On Sept. 10, Raad joined her peers for the "Warm Wishes Workshop," the first Universitywide student service event of the fall semester. In a room filled with volunteers, students worked together to stuff and dress teddy bears and decorate heartfelt cards for children. Encouraged to attend by UMSOD's Student National Dental Association, Raad was inspired by the event's shared sense of purpose.
"Being in a room with so many students coming together for a good cause is really uplifting," Raad said. "When I saw this opportunity, I thought it was a great way to make a difference and connect with others who share a passion for giving back."
The teddy bears used in the workshop were donated by Borndavid McCraw, assistant director in URecFit and Wellness and Summer U camp director. The bears were left over from an activity for Summer U, the University's free summer camp. Malika Brown, civic and community program specialist in UMB Student Affairs' Office of Intercultural Leadership and Engagement, viewed the surplus as a chance to create a meaningful service event. For Brown, who organized the workshop, the event is more than an opportunity for students to give back; it helps set the tone for the semester.
"With this event, we want to show the West Baltimore community that UMB is here to support them and highlight the many ways students can get involved on campus," Brown said. "But it's also a reminder that students should feel empowered to contribute to the well-being of others before they graduate. We hope this workshop encourages them to keep finding ways to make a positive impact throughout their time at UMB."
For some students, the event served as a grounding moment, reinforcing the values that brought them to UMB.
"There's always time to help others, even with a busy schedule," said one student. "That's important to me and a big reason why I love being a student here. UMB understands that and supports students helping others in so many ways."
In under an hour, students dressed all 37 teddy bears and completed 40 cards, each carefully decorated and adorned with messages such as, "We are all rooting for you!" Brown has collaborated with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's pediatric outreach team to distribute the bears and cards to local children receiving pediatric care.
As one student gazed at the bear she stuffed and dressed, its T-shirt decorated with a hand-drawn heart, she reflected, "I'm so glad I got to spend my time doing something nice for kids. It feels great to make a difference."
For more information about volunteer opportunities for UMB students, visit www.umpartnershipwithwestbaltimore.org.