Hi everyone! Maci here. I have lived in Hays for almost 5 years now. I moved here at 18 years old for my freshman year of college and haven’t found any reason to leave, yet. I graduated from the third largest (1st most affordable) University in the state of Kansas here in Hays. I worked on Fort Hays State University campus for 5 years and am now pursuing full-time employment in the same community that has given me so much. I moved into my first apartment alone in this community where I feel safe and happy. I am pleased to give back to this town however I can. My community service contributions were varied throughout different services and entities. I have passion and care for each organization.
I began by volunteering my time to work the Fort Hays State University Society of Human Resource Management booth at the annual Oktoberfest community event in October. This was the 47th year for the event that brings thousands of FHSU alumni and Volga German folk to town in correlation with the FHSU Homecoming Weekend. The booth was a fundraiser and promotional opportunity to advertise FHSU SHRM. Oktoberfest is the largest tourist weekend for Hays during the fall quarter of the year. I was happy to provide my service to the guests and visitors at Oktoberfest.
My second volunteering effort was aligned with my passion for Human Resources again. I worked as a check-in greeter and provided solutions to questions and errors through the seminar for the Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association’s quarterly seminar offered to members and HR professionals. There were over 100 Human Resource professionals in attendance of the seminar and I felt fortunate to be involved in the movement and recognition of important of Human Resources in Western Kansas. Also in attendance of the WKHRMA seminar were individuals from other surrounding states with hopes of connecting and networking.
More and more I value and appreciate my small community that has endless opportunities for growth, development, and also unique experiences. I place great significance on being involved in the Hays community and meeting new people each event I attend. I feel proud of myself for going one step further than most college students by getting involved in the community outside of our University. There is great benefit in getting involved in the areas that match your passion and organic fulfillment is built from that involvement.
