Farewell Post: Dana Lovell

Hi everyone! So today’s post is from me—Dana Lovell—the creator and writer and everything-er for ELCO Cares. A big part of this website for me was to show three main things. One, there is reason to hope and there is so much good in the world, despite what other media often portrays. Two, service benefits the people being served, but also the person performing the service. And three, that service can play a part in overcoming low points in our lives. In this post, I’d like to share what ELCO Cares has meant to me in these ways.

As mentioned in the first point, ELCO Cares highlights the positive contributions ELCO Students have had in our school and community. In searching for posts and reading student submissions, I have been so pleasantly surprised at how much service the students at our school participate in! It has made me happier to see how much good all of you contribute to the world around you.

This then leads into the second point, and though I hope that my website has succeeded in uplifting others, serving through ELCO Cares for me has definitely been an uplifting experience for me. Some of my favorite moments that have stemmed from this website come from when I have been approached in school and told by a student that they love reading my posts and how the posts brighten their Sundays. I hope that it can continue to uplift on both ends for years to come.

For the last point, I truly believe that service is a powerful way to combat darkness—whether it be in the form of low self esteem, depression, or something else, serving others allows us to take our minds off of ourselves and make a positive difference in others’ lives and our own. Everyone in this world has so much to offer, and no big or little act of service or kindness is ever wasted. There is always room for more.

When I began this project I wasn’t sure if it would flop, and if no one would follow it or read my posts. I am so glad that that didn’t happen, and I am grateful to all of you who have helped make this such a great experience for me, and hopefully for others now and in the future. I wish you all the best of luck this summer and in your future plans (whether you are a graduated senior or current student). I want you all to remember how amazing you are, and how much ability you have to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you!!

Have a great summer everyone, and thank you for everything! :)