As students at Skidmore College, we often find ourselves immersed in the academic bubble. Between classes, clubs, and campus events, it can be easy to lose sight of the community that surrounds us. But here’s the truth: Skidmore is deeply connected to Saratoga Springs—and my recent experience volunteering at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter proves just that.
When I learned that my English 105 class required volunteer work as part of the curriculum, I didn’t understand how it would fit into my academic experience. Soon enough, however, this requirement turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my semester so far. I was assigned to volunteer at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, and from the moment I stepped inside, I knew this would be doing more than checking off a box for my grade. The shelter, nestled just outside Saratoga Springs in Ballston Spa, is a place where animals—and people—come together in ways that showcase the very best of this community. It’s in these moments that I began to see how deeply Skidmore is intertwined with the people and places beyond our campus. A special shoutout to Professor Brenda Pashley who conceptualized “EN105: What’s in it for me?” and for encouraging us to engage and volunteer for the community.
Each time I walk into the shelter, I’m greeted by the wagging tails of dogs like Max, a pitbull mix with endless energy and affection, and the quiet purrs of cats like Bullet, still waiting for her forever home. These animals, just like the volunteers who care for them, tell a story of connection and care that extends beyond our campus.
During one of my morning shifts, I met Cathy, a Saratoga local who has been volunteering at the shelter for over five years. “This place has a way of connecting people,” she told me, as we were doing the cat reading room orientation. Her story reflects the very heart of Saratoga—the sense of community, of people coming together for a common purpose. I realized that, as Skidmore students, we have the chance to be a part of that story. It’s easy to feel like Skidmore exists in its own world, isolated from the surrounding community. But programs like this are proof that this is far from the truth. Through volunteer work, internships, and local partnerships, Skidmore students are constantly engaging with the town in meaningful ways. Volunteering at the animal shelter has taught me (and is still teaching me!) more than just how to care for animals. It taught me about the people of Saratoga and the mutual benefits of the college’s relationship with its community. As students, we bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to local initiatives. In return, Saratoga offers us the chance to connect, grow, and see beyond the bounds of campus life.
The beauty of Skidmore’s connection to the community lies in small, everyday interactions, be they a simple conversation with a local volunteer or the joy of seeing an animal get adopted after months of waiting. These moments remind us that we are part of something bigger and that our education isn’t confined to the classroom. When we step off campus and engage with the community, we’re not only fulfilling a class requirement—we’re fostering relationships that will leave a lasting impact. Through experiences like volunteering at the animal shelter, we’re reminded of the power of community and the role we play in supporting and strengthening it. Skidmore’s involvement in Saratoga Springs goes beyond one-off volunteer assignments. It’s embedded in the very fabric of our college. From partnerships with local organizations to student-run initiatives that serve the broader community, Skidmore’s connection to Saratoga is undeniable—and exponentially growing. As more of us step off campus and engage with the people, animals, and causes that define this town, that bond will only deepen.
If you’re wondering how you can get involved, the opportunities are endless. From shelters like the one I volunteered at to food banks, environmental projects, and mentoring programs, there are countless ways to make a difference in Saratoga Springs. Reach out to theCareer Development Center or your advisor for more detailed opportunities and links. I encourage you to step outside the Skidmore bubble. Get to know the community that surrounds us. You might just find that, like me, what starts as a class requirement becomes something much more meaningful—a way to connect, give back, and grow.