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Optimist club seeks new, happy members from campus community |
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Tuesday, 27 March 2007 |
by LINDSAY TIGAR
Lifestyles Reporter
Being outside in warm, sunny weather improves mood, according to a study conducted at the University of Michigan in 2004.
With sunrays more common in Boone recently, the newest club at Appalachian State, the Appalachian State University Optimists Club, may be attracting happier students for membership.
Club Council approved the ASU Optimists as a university-recognized club March 19.
“The focus of the club is optimism in general,” David T. Jaynes, a
junior political science major and president of the organization, said.
“Having a good outlook on life, greeting people with a smile, and
having positive thoughts to help children.”
The ASU Optimists are a chapter of Optimist International.
Optimist International has helped ‘bring the best in kids’ since 1919
by helping communities worldwide through more than 3,200 autonomous
clubs, according to its Web site, www.optimist.org.
Optimist International has a separate chapter in Boone that is helping to establish the organization at Appalachian State.
The Boone chapter, along with a chapter in Winston-Salem, is partnering
to pay for half of the membership dues for the first 30 members of the
ASU Optimists.
Jaynes, along with nearly 20 founding club members, wanted to give Optimist International a younger look.
“It’s important for youth and college-aged students to get involved in
civic engagement,” Jaynes said. “Younger outlooks can help lead with
new ideas.”
Nationally, there are very few collegiate chapters of Optimist
International. Appalachian State is now one of two in North Carolina,
Jaynes said.
The ASU Optimists have many plans for next semester including finding
kids in Boone who are unable to find transportation to football games
and giving them the opportunity to experience the football atmosphere.
They also hope to travel to local elementary schools to read to children and get involved in Santa’s Toy Box, Jaynes said.
“The ASU Optimists will be heavily involved in youth programs,” Jaynes
said. “Education majors, anyone in youth, or anyone who wants to help
kids in general should join.”
Members should be recognized in their community or school as being a
positive role model and for having upbeat personalities, according to
the Web site.
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