A certain level of ambiguity is expected when you try and explain exactly what Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is and does. The mission of SIFE can be thought of as "to identify student and community needs, to provide and implement principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, business ethics and personal financial success in the community and to provide quality education for success and lifelong learning." Marketing, Communications, Community Outreach, Competition, Technological Interaction, Financial Understanding and Altruism are all colors in SIFE's palette. But these words and notions, while descriptive, don't do justice to what the SIFE experience truly is nor do they lend to a greater understanding of the Organization. The only way to fully understand is to join SIFE and live a semester in the shoes of a volunteer. Long hours, challenging projects and no pay are part of the SIFE equation, the trying portion. The portion I enjoy thinking about is the "payoff". Seeing my efforts and energies bear fruit is a greater joy and pleasure than a paycheck can ever offer.

I remember teaching Mrs. Suzanna Thiel's 4th grade class the pros and cons of the Mexican Maquiladora system and the general basics of NAFTA...when I first walked into the room I was so worried that the class wouldn't be able to even pronounce maquiladora I became set on using the term "Big Mac's" instead but it became readily apparent not only were these children smart and able but eager and willing to rise to the occassion. In fact my term, "Big Mac" was more confusing to them than maquiladora's! After two consecutive Friday lessons I felt like I had accomplished something. This year we hope to return to Mrs. Thiel's 4th grade class and expand upon last year's lesson. This year, I don't have to worry about working with "Big Mac's". This year I only have smiling young faces to look forward to.

Someone once asked me, "So, SIFE is giving to the community, teaching, learning and testing your knowledge, right?". I was a little hesitant to just nod my head, because SIFE is all those things and more, so I answered with, "Yeah. Yeah that's what SIFE does. But I think you left out one important aspect. It's what you get back from the community, from those you teach and help, that's the most important part of SIFE." SIFE at UCCS doesn't ask you for money or ungodly amounts of your precious time, we only ask that you come see our organization, see what we're about. Make the effort and remove the ambiguity by experience. Change the World with SIFE, join today.

 

-Chris Carruth
  Senior, Information Systems and Marketing
  2nd Year in SIFE

 

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