Student's leadership benefits Volunteer Students Bureau

Natalia Galvan is devoted to helping others, and it's obvious when she talks about it. She smiles widely. Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, and she jumps at the chance to tell other students how to get involved.\nThe devotion Galvan possesses earned her a $2,000 grant from Indiana Campus Contact, a college service organization.\nGalvan, a senior majoring in psychology, has always been highly active in programs on campus that encourage and help students get involved with the community. She is also the president of the Volunteer Students Bureau, an entirely student-run organization that works with students to plug them into philanthropic activities they are interested in.\nSince this program has played a significant role in Galvan's life, she took it upon herself to apply for the $2,000 grant to support it, she said. \n"The opportunity to plan initiatives that benefit others less fortunate than me is a reward in itself; however, I am also given the pleasure of collaborating with other students, faculty members and administrators who are committed to making a change," Galvan said.\nThe Indiana Campus Contact organization is an association of 30 colleges and universities that supports the combination of community service and campus culture. The Student Citizen Fellowship grant is intended to support students involved in finding problems in the community and being a leader for others in developing an answer to address that problem. \n"We found Natalia's efforts with the Volunteer Students Bureau to be so wonderful, because the widespread work she's doing helps get many other students involved in the community," Keri Hunt, assistant director for student development at Indiana Campus Contact said in a statement. "We were attracted by her willingness to reach out to her peers to find ways to help the community."\nGalvan's advisor, assistant director of the Student Activities Office Darrell Stone, praised Galvan for her efforts and involvement on campus. Over the three years she has known Galvan, Stone said she has seen the work Galvan has accomplished.\n"She has the quality of determination and leadership skills that have benefited every organization she has been involved in," Stone said. \nGalvan has been particularly involved in Students Organized Against Poverty, Alpha Phi Omega (a service fraternity), College Mentors for Kids and the Volunteer Students Bureau. Her experiences with these organizations have helped to shape her college experience.\n"It has definitely enriched my life greatly," Galvan said. "I grew up in a privileged home, so to be able to give back is wonderful."\nGalvan is also committed to helping other students on the IU campus get involved.\n"You can meet so many good-hearted people," Galvan said. "Bring a friend and get involved with something you love to do. There's something for everyone."\nGalvan's encouraging nature is obvious to anyone who meets her. \n"She is incredibly friendly," Stone said. "She loves what she's doing. It shows, and her examples of hard work and vision sparks motivation in other students."\nThe Volunteer Students Bureau has some upcoming activities that Galvan said she is very excited about and encourages students to get involved. In November, a Pottery Day and Food Drive are planned. Also, during the first week of December, there will be an Adopt-a-Child kickoff, which is where over 100 needy children in the Bloomington community are matched with college students who basically fulfill that child's wish list, which can normally be as simple as a new pillow or toy truck. This event will also have several co-sponsors. Galvan said it is her favorite project.\nMany other unique events are planned through the Volunteer Students Bureau, and students can find out more about those on its Web site: www.iub.edu/~iuvolbur. Also, students are encouraged to call the Bureau's office at 812-855-8290 or visit their office in the Indiana Memorial Union Room 378. Their e-mail address is vsb@indiana.edu.\n"You just have to jump in," Galvan said.