In her spare time, Sarah Lauren enjoys spending time with her dog, a Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix named Carl. She has a great love for her family, who besides her mother and father includes her little sister, Amelia.

In fact, Amelia will follow in her older sister's volunteering footsteps this winter by participating in a pageant to benefit abused children. Sarah Lauren also loves going to the beach, relaxing with her friends, or brightening up her room with beautiful collages. Those closest to her describe her as a funny, outgoing, loyal and caring person.

About Sarah Lauren Wallace...
Hometown: Traveler's Rest, South Carolina
Degree Objective: History
Expected Graduation: May 2007
What was the most memorable experience you had while volunteering in Mississippi for the Katrina victims? The most memorable experience I have is pulling up to the site where we would be working on the first day. I could not believe the total devastation that I saw, it was so much worse than anything you could imagine on TV. It made me feel so powerless, and also like I couldn't accomplish all that I wanted to on this short trip.
What motivated you to go on the trip? A friend in my sorority told me about the College's Alternative Fall Break Program, and I knew immediately that I wanted to go. I loved the idea that I could spend my break helping people instead of doing nothing. I had seen so many heartbreaking things on the news about Katrina, and wanted to help from the moment the hurricane hit. The Alternative Fall Break program just provided me with a way to do so.
What other volunteer experience do you have? Every summer, I volunteer for a camp called Camp Opportunity in the Upstate. It is a camp for orphaned or foster children. Most of the children have had very traumatic or abusive experiences in their lives, and this camp gives them a chance to take a vacation and have some fun.
What have you learned about yourself through volunteering? I have learned not to take things for granted. The children I work with at Camp Opportunity have taught me that those who are fortunate enough to give back should do so. I have also learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought. Listening to the children's stories and hardships can be difficult, and I was amazed that I was able to help them turn it all around and be happy, if only for a short time in the summer.
How has Camp Opportunity had an impact on your life? I love going to the camp each year as a counselor because I find it to be so therapeutic. The children there have been through things that I could never even begin to imagine, but they are still so happy and loving, and not bitter at all. It makes me feel like even just the littlest bit of time and attention can help shape someone's life.
What advice do you have for those thinking about getting involved? You would be amazed at how good it makes you feel! If you are thinking about doing it, just do it, you will get hooked!
For more information about Camp Opportunity: www.campopporunity.org
For more information about Alternative Fall or Spring Break: https://www.cofc.edu/studentaffairs/service_learning/asb/

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