First-Years "Put it Together"

Before orientation even began, a select number of first-years were already here at F&M, getting to know both the campus and the Lancaster community through the annual “Putting it Together” program. 

“Putting it together” —more frequently referred to as PIT— is no ordinary campus program, mainly because the people involved with it are not ordinary themselves. They all share a love of helping others. 

In the span of five days, PITers sacrifice their own self-gluttony in order to better the Lancaster community; this is done by working with disadvantaged first-graders, spending time with senior citizens, raising awareness of environmental concerns, and assisting in building homes for the less-fortunate residents of the greater Lancaster area.

The “It” in “Putting it Together” encapsulates the meaning and drive of the program quite nicely, at least in the words of Andrew Foley ’13, planning intern for the program. 

“‘It’ is showing that we care for our community,” he said. “‘IT’ is showing that we are a part of our community. ‘IT’ is the giving of ourselves to others.” 

Establishing and improving connections between F&M and Lancaster is undoubtedly the greater principle behind PIT’s philosophy and mission. And it goes without saying that the passion and dedication of those particular F&M students involved is hard to match.

Since PIT began in 1997, the program has evolved into something much bigger and much more exciting than it once was. Initially there were 10 students involved, however, as of late that number has increased to 60. 

Foley provided insight into the reason for such a large expansion. 

“Year after year, more freshmen want to serve their new community and more upperclassmen want to show them how,” he said. 

This is something F&M can be happy about, because ultimately the level of care and volunteering around campus is steadily on the rise.

PITers are ridiculously joyful and their contagious laughter has been heard in and around the commons of multiple College Houses. But they are also very tired, as a lot of that same laughter is accompanied by excessive yawning. It just goes to show that despite the work not being easy, PITers still love what they are doing. 

Rachel Swart ’14 claimed PIT is the best program in the world. When reflecting on all they have done it becomes more and more difficult to disagree with her.

Lancaster for Life, an adult daycare service, has been affiliated with the PIT program for several years now. A large part of the Lancaster and PIT collaboration has to do with minimizing the generational gap between young and old. 

The students participate with the elderly in activities spanning from simple conversation to putting on talent shows filled with juggling and dancing. Erin Lockard, an employee working with Lancaster for Life, said that the PITers are very eager and willing to help

“They bring a lot of joy to our people,” she added. 

Students affiliated with PIT deserve a pat on the back; their volunteer work has proved itself outstanding, and the well-established connections made within the Lancaster community are what Foley describes as the glue that keeps it from falling apart. 

As a result of PIT’s devotion towards bettering campus-town relations, Fummers can inevitably look forward to a well-established connection with the community for many years to come.