A single act of service can create an impact that reaches far beyond the moment it happens. On Aug. 22, Northwestern State University students demonstrated ideology during the “1 of 7” Service Kickoff, an event designed to ignite a semester of community engagement.

Students served at a variety of locations across Natchitoches, each offering a unique opportunity to give back. Volunteer teams participated in a downtown cleanup near the Fleur de Lis Stage, assisted youth at the Boys and Girls Club and supported outreach efforts at the Women’s Resource Center and The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches’ Melrose Plantation.

On campus, students helped maintain the NSU Butterfly Garden, organized donations at the NSU Food Pantry and assisted with No Time for a Siesta, We’re Having a Fiesta setup and coffee label sorting. Others contributed at St. Mary’s School and took part in a Second Street cleanup, demonstrating that service can happen anywhere and that every bit of effort counts.

The kickoff was held in the Friedman Student Union and marked the start of an annual campus-wide initiative encouraging students to dedicate at least one day of each week to acts of service, no matter what it is. Sponsored by the First Year Experience (FYE) team, the event motivates students to make community service a part of their daily identity.

Ayden Hymel, a freshman theatre major and President’s Leadership Program (PLP) member, was motivated by a love for helping others. “I just adore helping people and wanted a chance to see how I could assist on NSU’s campus,” Hymel said. “At the food pantry, I was trained to volunteer and got to learn the ropes. I’m honored to be trusted with that responsibility, and now I get to do it every week!”

The initiative was founded by NSU alumnus Kip Patrick and reflects the FYE motto of “Loyalty. Leadership. Service.” After a brief introduction and explanation of the event, students departed for the various service sites on and off campus to volunteer their time and energy.

Joshua Peek, a sophomore health and education major as well as PLP mentor, served as a site head during the event. “It’s about showing up for your community,” Peek said. “When students commit to ‘1 of 7,’ they’re choosing to grow as leaders and create a culture of service. This project is so much more than a one-time event—it’s something you can instill in your life to make you a better person.”

For some students, the experience offered them a new outlook on community involvement. Vivian Montalvo, a freshman biology and physical science major, said volunteering at the cemetery was humbling. “It wasn’t my first choice, but I enjoyed learning about the lives of the people buried there,” Montalvo said.

Throughout the semester, students will have varying opportunities to participate in projects such as tutoring local youth, supporting sustainability efforts and assisting nonprofit organizations. The initiative hopes to begin a chain reaction of service that branches beyond campus.

While many Demon Days events focus on social engagement, “1 of 7” focuses solely on emphasizing personal growth and engagement. For NSU students, the journey toward leadership and service began with a single afternoon and a commitment to make a difference, one day at a time.