SMU Student-Athletes Find Thankfulness In Serving Others
Nov 22 | Equestrian, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Student-Athlete Success
Nine Student-Athletes Served 250 Meals At The Stewpot
DALLAS – Courtney Sebazco is the first to admit that life on the SMU campus is a little like living in a bubble sometimes.
The Hilltop provides a quality and safe college experience for thousands of students every year. But, just a few blocks away, life off campus can be very different.
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That's why, during a recent visit to The Stewpot, a Dallas non-profit that offers safe haven and survival resources to homeless and at-risk individuals, Sebazco was grateful for her own experience and for the opportunity to give back.
"Whenever you get to get out and see things, it definitely changes your perspective," Sebazco said. "I think a lot of people don't really realize how blessed they are and I think whenever you know that, the best thing you can do is give to others whenever we can and however we're able. The experience was definitely rewarding."
Community service is a priority for SMU student-athletes throughout their careers as they routinely take part in activities that give back to the Dallas area in various ways.
The Stewpot experience was a new addition to the list of organizations the Mustangs have volunteered with. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Vice President Raelyn Roberson learned about the work being done by The Stewpot during a class and pitched it to SAAC President Annabelle Corcoran as something they could help with.
Nine female student-athletes from SMU women's soccer, swimming and diving, equestrian and track and field came together to prepare and serve 250 meals to individuals looking for lunch two weekends ago.
"I didn't even have a car my first four years on campus. I was just accustomed to what was around SMU, which does not define Dallas," Corcoran said. "It was really cool to actually help people – I wasn't even aware of this organization until my junior year of college, which is kind of crazy. I feel a little sheltered sometimes at SMU, but it's really cool to be able to make a difference and get to know the population."
The experience was humbling as workers with The Stewpot began telling the SMU student-athletes about certain individuals who routinely come in for meals and what personalities they should expect to see.
While most simply go about their business, others enjoy taking time to talk or even dance in celebration of a good meal. And no matter what, everyone, from the volunteers to those receiving meals, seemed to leave with a smile on their face.
The outreach event took place less than 15 minutes from campus, truly putting the Mustangs in their own backyard, even if it felt like a world away.
And, after the meals were all served, the conversation quickly shifted to a discussion of helping out again.
"At first, we were kind of unsure about what it was going to be like, but after we went a ton of the girls were like, 'I would totally do this again. That was so fun,'" Corcoran said. "Now the people who work there know us and they're like 'You all should come back.' Hopefully we'll get to do it a couple more times this semester."
