Recently, I received an email from a recent CSU graduate who took the entire summer after his graduation to bike across the United States with a friend to raise money for Invisible Children. Many students I talk with want to do something similar, feel driven to do something similar, but are stopped by very real concerns. What impact will this have on my job search? Will this affect my future negatively beyond that search for a first post-graduation job? What about loans and money? Mark didn't let these concerns stop him and the result has been amazing. Read on for an excerpt from his email (reprinted with his permission, of course)!

"We felt our campaign was a huge success! The most important goal of this campaign was spreading awareness about the atrocities occurring to children in northern Uganda. We accomplished this goal by informing everyone we met along the road about the Invisible Children Organization. The hundreds of people we met had different outlooks on life, different political views, differences in international agendas, and all came from different walks in life. However, the one thing everyone had in common was a warm, caring, and welcoming heart! The people we met were excited to witness our passion and mission in helping children in Uganda receive an adequate education and help put an end to the civil war. . . .

Since we began fundraising in the beginning of April, we were able to raise $6,780 dollars that will be given to one of the ten schools in northern Uganda. . . . To learn more information about Schools For Schools Program check out IC website at: http://s4s.invisiblechildren.com.

Our lives now….Well it's been about a 6 weeks since we have been off our bikes. I can't speak for Kristen, but I think we both would agree we miss riding a bike for eight hours a day not knowing what stories lie ahead of us or where will we pitch our tent for the night! Life was brought down only to the necessities (food, shelter, shower). At the moment I'm working at Hyatt Hotel in Chicago, pursuing my career in the hospitality industry. I am planning to bike from Vancouver to San Diego this upcoming spring. . . .

This summer was a growing and learning experience! We learned a lot about the opposite sex, each other, and ourselves. Most importantly, we found out that majority of people are caring and willing to help their neighbors or complete strangers. They want peace and the freedom to pursue their passions and dreams. . . .

Kristen took OVER 2000 pictures, CHECK THEM OUT:

http://picasaweb.google.com/biking4invisiblechildren"

Check out Mark's blog about his cross-country biking experience at http://www.biking4invisiblechildren.com/

Barbara Diehl, WCNR Career Center Liaison