Volunteer Activities: I am part of a group on campus called Volunteer Corps that is based out of the Community Service Office. Through this group I participate in a large variety of projects ranging from working with the county parks to folding clothes for the Lowcountry orphan relief to handing out water during local races. I participate in many of the CSC's events such as Dash for Trash, the MLK day challenge, the Green Fair, and more recently Alternative Spring Break. This upcoming weekend I am doing Relay for Life, which is an overnight event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. It is similar to Dance Marathon which I also participated in last year. Overall I love to volunteer in many different areas.

What is your most memorable volunteer experience? It is almost impossible to choose one most memorable volunteer experience. Usually, every experience is memorable for one reason or another. If I had to choose a few events I would say that Alternative Spring Break and Relay for Life (which I participated in during high school as well) are my best experiences. This may be because I put many hours of planning into leading these events. I believe that you get out of volunteering what you put into it, which is why these events were so meaningful to me.

What are you most proud of contributing to your organizations? I am very proud to have participated in an Alternative Spring Break to Jamaica as a freshman and to have lead a trip successfully to Costa Rica this year. Although it took a lot of hard work on the part of the leaders, the trip was amazing and very educational. It made me more aware of how taking even small steps, such as taking shorter showers or planting trees, can really have an impact on the environment.

What do you enjoy most about community service: I enjoy taking part in service learning because, not only does it have an impact on those you are helping, but it also gives you a chance to grow as a person and become more informed of critical issues such as sustainability and education to name a few. I have been very fortunate in my life and enjoy giving a helping hand to those in need. I love seeing the end results of a project and sharing in the joy of those you have helped. It is a truly remarkable feeling to know that you have made a difference.

How do you think your friends and family would describe you? I've never really asked someone to describe me but I think they would say that I am caring, high-spirited, motivated, level-minded, and hopefully much much more!

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? I would tell them to dive in and don't be afraid to make a splash! Find something you enjoying doing whether it is recreational, educational, etc. and go for it. It is definitely worth the time and it is also a great way to meet people with interest that are similar to your own. If you don't know where to get started then check out the Community Service Office on the second floor of Lightsey.

What are your plans after graduation? Wow, that's a good question. Some options include nursing school, doing neuroscience research, working with a non-profit, AmeriCorps, and traveling. As you can tell, I am still working on narrowing it down but I know that I will be happy as long as I am helping people in some way or another.