HUMANS OF STA:

Mother Evelyn O’Neill Service Award Nominees

The Mother Evelyn O’Neill award is given to students who exemplify an outstanding commitment to service. The Dart asked the nominees what their reaction was when they were announced as finalists. The winner will be announced today.

Rose Olson

“I was honestly super surprised when I was nominated because I didn’t think anyone would have nominated me, and when I was announced as a finalist I was even more surprised. When I saw the other finalists, I was super honored to be recognized for the leadership opportunities I do and have done in the community along with some of my peers who I look up to so much.” B

Stella Hughes

“I was super excited when I found out I am a finalist for the award! I was a finalist last year as well, and so I feel very blessed to be recognized again. Obviously, I don’t do service for the recognition, but it is nice for other students to see what people are doing.” B

Emma Hiss

“I was very grateful to have been nominated for the award. It’s such an honor to know that a fellow peer or mentor of mine believed I was eligible for this wonderful award. When I discovered I was a finalist I was flattered and beyond excited. I am so elated to have been nominated for this, especially alongside some of my amazing classmates!” B

Jillian Poplau

“I was excited and grateful for the nomination but recognition is not why I do the work I do. I am glad STA gives out this award because it is an important part of STA’s values and vision. I am proud to be someone other students will be inspired by, to also volunteer and lead through service!” B

Riyan Jones

“I was shocked. There are so many amazing people that we have in our STA community that deserve to be recognized. I couldn’t believe that I was chosen and felt very honored.” B

Taylor Hayes

“Honestly, shock! I am so happy to be considered for this award! I really want to bring some of my own experience back into the work force so we can change outdated practices and make real progress.” B

Last week, I found myself sitting alone in my new favorite coffee shop, Front Range. I had originally come to get some homework done, but after I finished my work I found myself reading for over an hour. As I eventually got up to leave, I realized that this exact experience would have terrified my freshman self. I walked out the doors with a slight smile on my face, finally able to recognize my own growth.

Being alone used to be my biggest fear. The thought of being by myself or missing out on any plans used to terrify me. I would always try to keep myself busy with plans, even if I didn’t really feel like going. I would have so much anxiety about what other people would think if I didn’t do something one day, or if I had to miss out on an event. I spent more time stressing over plans during and before an event than actually taking the time to live in the moment and enjoy it.

If I didn’t have any plans, I would have a lot of anxiety about being “lazy.” I used to think that if I wasn’t constantly doing something, I was