Austin Ashcraft is the perfect example of a student who wants to make a difference
idual can feel overwhelmed and stressed at times. They feel as if there is not enough time in the day to accomplish what they need to. They have class after class and a load of homework every night. They have priorities and an education is number one, but there are a few students that stretch their priorities and involvement past the limit. One of those students is Austin Ashcraft.
This archived article was written by: Shadayah Jones
idual can feel overwhelmed and stressed at times. They feel as if there is not enough time in the day to accomplish what they need to. They have class after class and a load of homework every night. They have priorities and an education is number one, but there are a few students that stretch their priorities and involvement past the limit. One of those students is Austin Ashcraft.
Ashcraft is a full-time student at USU-Eastern, president of the SUN Center and president of the Institute Council. Along with his commitments to the school and community, he is taking 12-credit hours and has a part time job. He is an individual who is caring towards others, whether a fellow student or a stranger on the street. He is the perfect example of a student who wants to make a difference.
The main organizations that Ashcraft is involved in are the SUN Center. The center is an organization established to provide service to people in the community. The SUN Center is involved with many service projects; an example, making quilts for infants and volunteering at the local schools.
There are also several larger projects that are carried out by the SUN Center. One of them is the Break Away Project. Once a year the Sun Center and volunteer students travel to the Navajo reservation and serve those that are in need.
During Spring Break students provide their time and abilities to those that need in the most. Another project is the Bread ‘n’ Soup Night in November. This is a time when students can help deal with the hunger issue that is growing in society today. Bread ‘n’ Soup night is held every Monday in November and all of the money raised is donated to the Food Bank in Price. Last year the SUN Center was able to raise $5000.00. Ashcraft believes that the SUN Center is a great organization and is there for anyone who wants to make a difference in the community.
Growing up, Ashcraft was never a rebellious person, but he recalls one time when he had to let his wild side show. “One time at the annual Break Away Project we had to hitchhike. There were three vans that we were using to transport us. We were the last to leave and I guess someone drove off with keys to the van. So we had a van, but no keys. So we had to hitchhike 30 miles back where we were staying.” Although Ashcraft may not be so proud of hitchhiking, there is one thing he is proud of, his foosball skills. “I have mad skills,” states Ashcraft with much confidence.
On of Ashcraft’s main goals in life is to prove that chivalry is not yet dead. He believes that chivalry is something that should exist but something that is slowly disappearing. Another goal and something that is very satisfying to Ashcraft is making a difference. “I love looking back and seeing that I made a difference and did something worthwhile.” There was one thing that changed his life is when he read the Book of Mormon. “The principals that in contains can make you want to be a better person and make you want to be better.
He is very involved. He is the perfect example of someone who is very committed not only to his education but to the community. Service is one of the great joys in life, and Austin is soaking it all up.
