Western Illinois Students "Pay it Forward" to Cheyenne - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

Western Illinois Students "Pay it Forward" to Cheyenne

You've heard of the concept of paying it forward made popular by "Pay it Forward, the movie.

A group of 40 college students from Western Illinois University were doing exactly that in Cheyenne today.

Students Today, Leaders Forever. It's a group that's been making a difference for a decade.

"We started in Minnesota, four college students sitting in a room wanted to make a difference," said Matt Tillman.

Inspired by the movie "Pay it Forward" they began volunteering wherever they could.

"They really didn't know what they were going to do, they just took a bus and found cities and did work," Tillman said.

Since then, the group has grown and chapters from colleges across the country spend their spring break every year volunteering.

Wednesday, a bus load of 40 Western Illinois University students made Cheyenne one of their stops this year as they assisted Needs Incorporated and the Comea Shelter.

"Little stuff that we haven't had time to do they can get it done in just a few hours and catch us up on everything that needs to be done," said Diane Davis, Executive Director for Needs Inc.

It's freshman Amber Fosbyck's first time doing the "Pay it Forward" Tour. The experiences she's already gained have helped her grow.

"I'm a shy person, like when you first get to know me. I'm really shy. I don't talk much, but this has kind of given me more confidence," Fosbyck said.

Those who have gone on the tour multiple times say it's an amazing experience every year.

"I love just seeing the smiles on faces and knowing I made an impact during my spring break makes me feel good," Tillman said. 

"Humbling is just the word I would use throughout. That's the word that I would describe STLF as on organization. It's just extremely, extremely humbling," said Bethany Borchert.

It's much more productive than they'd normally be spending their spring break.

"I'd probably be at home sleeping, watch TV," Fosbyck said.

"Sitting on a couch doing nothing because I don't have the money to travel to a beach," Borchert said.

The students hope they are an example and encourage others to make a difference as well.

"I think that's one of the most important things to do is give back. If you see someone in need, it's just the easiest thing to do is help them," Fosbyck said.