By SEBASTIAN DUNLAP

Tammy Messick walked across campus one fall day during her freshman year at BYU. The sun was shining, and the changing leaves provided a stunning contrast to the bright blue sky. It was the kind of day to spend outside. Just then, a couple of Messick's friends called to her from a little way off.

"Hey Tammy," one said, running up to her. "Glad we found you. A bunch of people are getting together to play some ultimate since it is so gorgeous out. The game is starting in a half hour on the dorm field. Can you come?"

The question was one Messick already knew the answer to. Although the game sounded like the perfect thing to do, she had made another commitment.

"Sorry guys," Messick said. "Thanks for the invite, but I am volunteering at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures today."

She remembered her father taught her a promise is a promise and kept walking toward the museum.

The events of that day provide a good look at the kind of person Messick is. She is a giver. Messick is one who understands time spent in the service of others is time well spent.

"Time is what is most precious to us," Messick said. "When you give it to some one else, you have figured out the essence of life."

Since arriving at BYU four years ago, Messick has spent most of her free time at the museum. However, she would be the first to admit it has not always been easy.

"There was a while in the beginning where I thought what I was doing was useless," Messick said. "The whole first year all I did was make copies. I felt like quitting, but I didn't. I knew there was more I was supposed to do."

She was right. After two years of devoted service, Messick was hired by the museum to work as volunteer coordinator. Since that time, she has worked to bring in people who share her vision of what it means to give.

"The volunteers here are awesome," said Katie Criddle, the promotions director for the museum. "More so than in the past, volunteers are helping the museum achieve its goals."

The evidence is in the numbers. Since Messick's arrival, the number of volunteers regularly working at the museum has jumped from 13 to more than 35. With the increase in numbers, the museum has the ability to complete larger and more exciting projects.

"With more volunteers, we can do bigger things and set bigger goals," said Julie Stoner, a museum collections aide. "I think the spirit of service that should exist at BYU is alive and well here. Tammy has done a great job bringing together people who have the right kind of energy."

Messick said she believes volunteerism benefits the museum and also the volunteers themselves.

"Volunteering helps people stretch," Messick said. "Volunteering is a way for a person to learn skills through real experience. It provides an opportunity to get involved in something interesting without having to invest too much time in it."

Messick has monthly interviews with each volunteer to make sure they are happy with the project they are working on. If they are not, they are reassigned to something that fits better with their interests.

"A person who thinks they are contributing to something is a happier person," Messick said. "I remember my first year. I don't want that experience for any of the people working here now."

Messick said she hopes the changes in the way volunteers are handled at the museum will lead to more satisfaction with the experience.

"Not everyone would be willing to skip a game in the sunshine to come help," Messick said. "In fact, I would be worried if everyone did. We just want to make the decision to come help easier for them. Hopefully, it is working."

For information regarding opportunities to volunteer at the museum call 422-0020.