For me, the best part of being a college student in Baton Rouge is finding ways to give back. My name is Mihir Babbar, I am a senior at LSU and serve as the president of the Red Cross Club of LSU. Volunteering has become a central part of my experience here, and I love connecting students with opportunities that strengthen our community. My weekends in Baton Rouge mix service, friendship, and plenty of LSU pride, all the things that make life here brighter.

Friday Afternoon - Tabling with the Red Cross Club of LSU

I usually start my weekend by tabling on campus with the Red Cross Club. It is a chance to share our mission of building a culture of service and to encourage other students to get involved. From blood drives to disaster preparedness, I love showing people how their contributions can make a difference both around campus and the entire Baton Rouge Area.

Friday Evening - Dinner at Tsunami Sushi Baton Rouge

After a day of outreach, studying, and attending classes, I typically like to spend time with friends downtown at Tsunami Sushi. Between the great food and the Mississippi River views, it is one of my favorite spots to relax and celebrate the start of the weekend.

Saturday Morning - Volunteering with the Red Cross Club

Service is central to my routine, so Saturday mornings are often dedicated to volunteering with the Red Cross Club. Over the years, our club has led initiatives that go well beyond campus. For example, we have joined the Geaux Green clean-up initiative, helping to keep Baton Rouge spaces welcoming and safe for the community. We have also worked alongside the Red Cross of Louisiana to clean and prepare cots for emergency shelters, making sure families have a safe place to stay when disaster strikes.

One of the most rewarding experiences our club has led was the Sound the Alarm campaign, where we partnered with local Red Cross staff to install free smoke alarms in Baton Rouge neighborhoods. Walking door to door and meeting families face to face showed me how even small acts of service can save lives. We also organize events like Cards for Courage, writing letters of encouragement to military members and veterans, and we regularly table on campus to connect students with volunteer opportunities in hospitals, shelters, and local schools.

What makes these mornings so special is not just the impact we have. It is also the friendships that form along the way. Serving alongside other students who are just as passionate about helping people reminds me why I love Baton Rouge and why volunteering is better in BTR.

Saturday Afternoon & Evening - Cheering on the Tigers

When game time comes around, you will always find me with friends at an LSU sporting event. There is nothing like the energy of Saturday nights in Death Valley. The fans and the pride that comes with being part of the LSU community overwhelm you every time a game kick off. It always reminds me how connected we are as students and Capital Region residents.

Sunday Morning - Relaxing at the LSU Lakes

I like to close out the weekend with a walk around the LSU Lakes. It is the perfect way to recharge, reflect, and spend time with friends in one of the most beautiful spots in Baton Rouge.

For me, service is more than just a way to give back. It is part of who I am and how I connect with my community. That is why I believe volunteering is better in BTR.

If you are a student or young professional in the Capital Region, there are countless ways to find a cause that speaks to you. Start by exploring campus organizations, local nonprofits, or community events that align with your interests. Whether it is supporting health initiatives, mentoring young people, or pitching in at the many festivals around the region, every contribution helps strengthen our community. Finding your place in service not only builds community, it gives you friendships, skills, and memories that last long after the weekend ends.