Reflecting on a Weekend Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Senior Nia D. shared the following reflection about the service activities: “This weekend was not only an incredible opportunity to serve in the local community but also a time to acknowledge how lucky we are to be attending Foxcroft. I was overwhelmed by the number of students that came out to support the various organizations. The students in my group helped organize plastic bags to make packing lunches easier for other volunteers. We also packed fruit cups and applesauce. These tasks were a rather small step in the process of making a lunch bag, but I felt that we were actively building our community by helping to lift another. Although we still have a long way to go to achieve equity on many fronts in this country, being able to volunteer helped me realize that we are moving towards a brighter and more equitable future.”

Junior Johanna B. shared her thoughts on the service projects as well: "For my Day of Service project, I led an effort to pack hygiene kits for a global organization. It was a new experience for me, leading instead of following, but I tried my hardest to make sure that as many kits were packed as possible. The sensation of leading people to do things for others, even if it was considerably smaller than any of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s projects, really emphasized the bravery and skill that Dr. King had while leading his people. I found myself viewing this day and the act of service in a new light and I hope I will be able to carry that with me throughout future acts of service."

In reflecting on Dr. King's work, sophomore Kennedy C. drew parallels between his efforts to bring people from different backgrounds together and the community here at Foxcroft: "Dr. Martin Luther King once said, 'We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.' This quote really made me think of the community at Foxcroft because we all come from many different situations in life, but we all have a common interest which is being a member of this community. We are all in this boat together and we are capable of sailing to a place of hope and belonging."

Following this inspirational weekend, Experiential Learning and Student Life Coordinator Beth O’Quinn spoke at Monday’s Morning Meeting. She reflected on the lessons inherent in community service, encouraging students to take time to reflect as well, and emphasized how important it is for many hands to contribute to these meaningful causes. “It takes hundreds of volunteers to support the work of these organizations and to make the mission of helping others possible,” she said. “I want you all to know that the work you did on Saturday was important in helping to meet the needs of others and, by doing the work, you will have helped to lift them up in some way.”