This year, the Gold and Silver levels of Kean University’s Leadership Institute are advocating for the veterans of the United States military by fundraising for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System in South Orange, New Jersey.

On December 1, 2015, Gold and Silver students took over the atrium in the Miron Student Center (MSC) with various tables and activities showcasing the military at a personal level. Besides the standard bake sales and photo booths present at most typical college events, the Leadership Institute gave students the opportunity to get a closer look at military life such as a boot camp pull-ups training station, a card making station for the patients of the VA Health Care System and a chance to “carry the burden” of a United States soldier.

The carry the burden station allowed students to simulate what it is like to carry a soldier’s heavy pack atop their backs. The provided backpack only weighed about half the actual weight of what is typically carried at 35 pounds. After they had struggled to support the weight of the bag, they were asked to write down what weighs them down emotionally.

Sophomore communication major and Silver member of the Leadership Institute Beyanka Wheatly is weighed down by the burden of race. “[My biggest burden I face] is the struggle of being a black youth in America,” said Wheatly.

A special guest appearance by the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) of Linden High School made patriotic spirits soar as they marched into the atrium waving the flag high. The picture perfect of discipline and strength, the ROTC truly reminded those present what it means to be an American. One member of the Leadership Institute explained why she feels it is important to honor those in service.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) of Linden High School
Brooke Roderick | The Cougar’s Byte

“I feel like people ignore what our veterans have done if they’re not [currently] at war,” stated Samantha Pepe, a sophomore special education student and a silver member of the Leadership Institute. “Some of these people have injuries and issues that could last a life time…we shouldn’t forget.”

For the rest of the academic year, the Leadership Institute will be celebrating its theme with various events. On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, they will be holding a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in MSC room 228 to honor veterans. On Wednesday, April 6, 2015, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., they will be holding their annual ball partnered with the Military and Veterans Club of Kean University; ticket and donation detail to be announced.

For more information about how to donate to the Leadership Institute’s cause, email leadershipinstitute@kean.edu.