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CAROLINE VANVICK
Club Project Harambee
"Reaching Out To Kids In Kenya"
By Catherine Barthelme



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Caroline Vanvick not only significantly contributes in the CofC community as president of her sorority, she has also helped raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Through her involvement in Club Project Harambee, Caroline has also given a helpful hand abroad in Kenya during winter break, interacting with orphans and spreading awareness about AIDS.

The goal of Club Project Harambee is to link student communities in the United States with rural communities living in poverty in order to provide resources needed to improve economically and become more self-sustained.

Caroline plans to join the Peace Corps after graduation. She is committed to continuing her volunteer work around the world.

She sets an excellent example that should not go unnoticed by the College of Charleston community.

 

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Caroline Vanvick with young Kenyan friend

 

About Caroline Vanvick...
Hometown: Greenville, S.C. Major: Communication Studies Expected Graduation: May 2010


Current Volunteer Activities: Club Project Harambee, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, CYDC, and this summer I will be volunteering at the YMCA teaching English as a second language

Past Volunteer Activites: I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Greenville Cancer Center, Meals on Wheels, the Big Sister/Big Brother program, I've cycled for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association and have participated in the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Radio-thon

What is your most memorable volunteer experience? Serving in Kenya over this past winter break was eye-opening to see how others lived, and experiencing the Kenyan culture. The people I met in Keyna were so welcoming and giving. I honestly had more culture shock coming back to the U.S. during the holiday season because of the drastic differences between the two cultures. It was obvious the change we had made in such a short time, after holding four AIDS awareness talks and helping complete a medical clinic.

What are you most proud of contributing to your organizations? That we have actually touched and saved lives, which is something not everyone can say they have experienced, especially while in college.

How do you think your friends and family would describe you? Driven, compassionate, and a leader. I do not like to sit on the sidelines. I like to make a change here and now.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? I would say to please do volunteer, it is so much more rewarding spending your time helping others than getting in that one hour of TV you really think you need to watch. Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. Nothing was ever acheved by people who were not proactive, so get up and make a change!

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I want to serve in the Peace Corps

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