I have been exposed and have seen how people connect with each other. It’s been part of my evolution in my desire to connect with people one-on-one, to be a true ally in the efforts combatting whatever it is people are facing.
Like many first-year students, when Nick Jordan, ’20, G’26, first arrived at Bridgewater State University he was looking for a way to connect with others on campus, and in doing so discovered a passion for community service.
He became involved with what was then called the Community Service Center. Through the center, he took part in a living-learning community, where he opted to live on the same floor as others who were interested in performing service projects. He served as a program assistant within the community.
“I met some really great people, but there is so much more that comes with it,” Nick said. “Especially as a freshman, you can feel alone and not sure who to turn to, but I was able to surround myself with others who are well intentioned and thoughtful, which sets you up for success in the long run.”
While studying communications, his involvement snowballed. When the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) was created, he continued his work in service-based projects, including the annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance project and the Sharing the Harvest program.
Run through the South Coast YMCA, Sharing the Harvest is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven community farm established in 2006 as a grassroots response to hunger at the local level. The farm’s mission is to alleviate hunger, promote volunteerism, and provide agricultural education on the south coast of Massachusetts.
Every September and April, a group of BSU student-volunteers travels to the farm to harvest the crops in the fall and plant new seeds in the spring. The food gathered is then distributed to local food pantries.
“It’s my favorite (service) project,” Nick said. “You are outside getting fresh air, interacting with others, and working together to accomplish something for the common good.”
This year, as a graduate student enrolled in the mental health counseling program, Nick is in charge of organizing the event. It’s a full-circle moment for him, going from volunteering as an undergraduate to working behind the scenes as an MRISJ staff member.
In addition to working at MRISJ, he also hosts a radio show on WBIM, BSU’s radio station. He and co-host Heather Hynes, a BSU alumnus, are on the air Thursdays from 7-9p.m. and host “ThursTea” a show that encourages conversations that cover a variety of topics. All of it in the name of community building.
“It’s another way to give people a voice, to be visible, to encourage others to have a dialogue,” Nick said.
After he graduates from BSU this spring, Nick looks to embark on a career as a mental health counselor. His involvement at BSU has helped create a foundation from which he can build.
“Part of being a counselor is going out into the communities you serve, to gain a real understanding of the struggles they are facing and learn how best to support them beyond therapy,” he said. “I have been exposed and have seen how people connect with each other. It’s been part of my evolution in my desire to connect with people one-on-one, to be a true ally in the efforts combatting whatever it is people are facing.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu