A typical AOL Instant Messenger away message for Dustin Wood might read I am away from my computer and at the following ten meetings: ... Back later :). For Wood, every minute at Ohio University can be dedicated to serving others.
In his last few years in Athens, he has been a resident assistant and an active member of Student Senate. Currently serving as a student trustee on the Board of Trustees, he has mastered the act of juggling class, work and friends.
While double majoring in Spanish and political science, Wood spends 20 hours per week simply reading memos and agendas, answering e-mails and attending meetings.
Most students here don't know what students trustees are and what the job entails
he said. We have an influence and a voice that needs to be used.
The 11-member board includes two students who are appointed by the governor. They sit on committees, lead discussions and participate in board actions - everything but vote.
Student trustees have more presence on the other (trustees) because they can use their experiences for persuasion said Alan Geiger, secretary to the board. They reflect the feeling of the campus.
The position takes a little getting used to, said Tara Stuckey, the other student trustee, but Dustin has really shown a commitment to reaching out to different groups across campus to broaden his perspective.
One of his goals this year is to receive greater input from the student organizations on campus so various pressing issues can be addressed. Although he said it is almost impossible to talk to all 20,000 students and 360 organizations, he questions everyone he sees.
I'll be in line at Wendy's or Goodfellas and I might ask the person next to me what they do on campus and people just open up and talk about it
he said. If you do that enough
you get an idea
although never the whole perspective
so I can't stop trying.
Having people talk about their passions is a passion in itself for Wood. But he also believes in kicking back from the job for a little fun.
He'll always find time to hang out and just be a college student
said Matt Endersby, a friend. He'll manage to squeeze in time to go to Ping and play basketball.
Although his favorite hot spots are going to the movies and grabbing a cup of coffee, service is never far from his mind. Wood is pledging Alpha Phi Omega, one of the service fraternities on campus.
I'm always trying to be involved with groups that make change
he said. I had five minutes of free time
so I needed something to do.
But Wood does a fine job keeping himself busy with giving back to OU and Athens uppermost in his mind.
My experience has been so wonderful and amazing in the three years I've been here that I feel like I owe something and need to give back
he said. It can't be quantified or put into perspective
