It can be tough to follow a good act. You are shaking nervously as the crowd erupts, and the talented act scheduled before you steps down, obviously pleased with its performance. In the meantime, you anxiously plan what you will do in order to somehow generate a response equal to or above that of the first act. You plan and plan, and before you know it, you are called up to perform.
It has happened in the past. Christina Aguilera followed Britney. 'N Sync came after Backstreet. Who could forget Lil' Red's appearance after Herbie? I can't help but wonder if luck will strike twice for us.
April 8, 2006 marked the first ever Big Event at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As an executive member last year, I saw the behind-the-scenes action. A dozen other exec members and I were in on the hours of intense planning and the effort to get the word out. I was there the day we realized something big in fact did happen - 880 students signed up, and all 880 served the Lincoln Community.
The students performed a variety of services, including structural upkeep, visitation with locals at the Children's Museum and nursing homes, building homes and many others it would take another article to name.
Most groups finished what would take an agency several days to complete within three or four hours. For the participants' hard work, we provided free meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as free t-shirts. In the end, it seemed the students cared less about the material incentives and more about the services they provided.
I was inspired. With no experience under our belts, we were able to pull off the single biggest day of service in UNL's history. With all the success of the event, we knew we still had areas to improve, and it was at this point we began planning for the this year's Big Event.
In approximately 30 days, we will embark on the second Big Event to be held at UNL. For the past year, we have again put in the hours and intensely spread the word. Our goal this year: 1,500 UNL students, faculty and staff. Is it possible?
Well, I guess you have the answer to my question. This Monday, March 5, we will accept our last applications in the ASUN office (#136 Nebraska Union). We want all UNL students, faculty and staff to think about this opportunity. You can sign up as a group, or you can sign up as an individual and work with other dedicated UNL students.
The forms can be found online at our website, http://bigevent.unl.edu. On the application you can preference what time you want to serve: morning, afternoon or all day. After you sign up, we do the hard work of matching you with an agency and informing you of your task to complete. All you have to do is show up March 31 ready to work.
We will provide for you free meals and a free t-shirt, and some great entertainment and prizes will follow your act of service. Even though we are providing these great incentives, I think you will find the greatest motivation is the interaction in the community, the time spent with friends new and old and the feeling of accomplishing so much in a short period of time.
The lights are bright, and at times I wonder if we will be ready to perform, but I guess the real question is, "Are you ready to perform and make the second act of the Big Event on March 31 a success?"
