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GABRIELLA OKEN
C of C's New Best Buddies Program
Co-Founding a New Campus Outreach Program
By Jennifer Rondeau



Garbriella Oken
Gabriella Oken
Gabriella Oken is vice president of a new college organization called “Best Buddies.” This organization pairs a college student as a big
brother or big sister with a mentally handicapped young adult in the
Charleston community. Gabi has devoted countless hours the past two semesters helping this organization strive in its first year.
About Gabriella Oken...
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Degree Objective: Psychology
Expected Date of Graduation: 2010
Current Volunteer Activities: Clinic defense at Charleston’s Women’s Medical Center; Membership Coordinator for Best Buddies C of C
Previous Volunteer Activities: Clinic Defense, MS walk, Locks for Love
What are you most proud of contributing to your organization? I think my sense of persistence plays a large role in my volunteer work. Working at the clinic can often be very frustrating; you sometimes feel as though you are fighting against the majority. It is important to retain a strong belief in your cause and to persist no matter what. This also applies to Best Buddies. A campus organization cannot be successful without ceaseless dedication by its members. Someone always has to hold the roof up.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is the response I get from the people I engage with. It feels really great to hear that you are really helping someone.
How does your friends/co-workers describe you? Kind, concerned for others, and dedicated.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer? Volunteering is a growing experience. You learn a lot about yourself through the work you do. People volunteer for causes they feel passionate about. It is a chance to explore that passion actively.

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