About a week ago I came home to find a neat little box on kitchen table. I hadn't ordered anything, or at least thought I hadn't, so when I opened the box, I was surprised to find it was a book. Not any book, but a book about the University of Miami, as written by Dr. Butler himself.
Dr. Butler may not be known in all circles, but to the UM community, he is the creator of all good things; the person who started the spark for service on campus.
Walking around campus, you'll see the various spots names after him, such as the atrium at the wellness center. Most importantly he founded The Volunteer Services Center in 1989, but it's known now as The William R. Butler Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development.
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| The cover of "Following My Bliss: Becoming Global" |
I had the privilege of working for this establishment for two and a half years. Honestly, it really just happened, I had never thought of working with college students, or knew that volunteer offices existed on college campuses. I had just been accepted to the University of Miami's Community and Social Change masters program, and was on the job hunt.
I applied to be an AmeriCorps volunteer in South Florida, and within a day, I got a phone call asking if I would like to be a VISTA at the Butler Center. I said yes at the opportunity, and as they say, the rest is history. Over my time spent at the Butler center, I got to meet the man who created this office. He often spoke to the underclassman, listening to him speak is awe inspiring, being able to take the needs of the students, and morph it into tangible experiences.
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| Dr. Butler and I at Celebration of Involvement Awards 2013 |
Dr. Butler spoke so effortlessly about helping others, always striving to do good, never making it seem like it's his duty, but simply how things ought to be. While my time working at the Butler Center was limited, I feel a sense of pride knowing that I worked in an office, created by such a kind and caring human.
It really is the small things in life that make me happy. It's nice to know, that not only he thought of me, but sent me a book too! I won't spoil the details of the book, but my picture makes an appearance!
