My parents taught me from a young age just how blessed I was to have the opportunities that I do. They instilled in me an awareness of the world around me, and made sure that I knew that it was my duty to give back and serve. As a child I would help my Mom pick out Christmas presents for children in need, and then I would help my Dad wrap them and deliver them to the church. This developed into my participation with Rebuilding Together with my Dad. This is an organization that cleans, refurbishes, and rebuilds homes for people in need.
One of the most appealing things about Virginia Tech for me is the University motto of "Ut Prosim: That I May Serve." This motto is something that I try to live by every single day. I firmly believe that you can change the world through service, and by doing your part to make the world a better place.
My sophomore year of college I made the decision to pledge Virginia Tech's chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. APO is a national service fraternity that stresses the importance of leadership, friendship, and service. Through APO I have had the opportunity to participate in some truly incredible service projects ranging from Special Olympics, to serving dinner at a homeless shelter, to volunteering at a local Elementary School as part of an anti-bullying program.
'Lunch Buddies' and 'Recess Buddies' have been two of the most rewarding service projects that I have participated in. Both are part of anti-bullying programs for local Blacksburg Elementary schools. The goal of each is to make any child that could be left out, or a target for bullying, feel included. Weekly, I go and have lunch with the kids, and also play at recess with them. It has been amazing to help a child who may have been feeling left out feel special and important simply by talking to them, and listening to what they have to say. Being a part of service programs such as this one has strengthened my desire to be teacher, and to inspire children to be their best.
One of the most appealing things about Virginia Tech for me is the University motto of "Ut Prosim: That I May Serve." This motto is something that I try to live by every single day. I firmly believe that you can change the world through service, and by doing your part to make the world a better place.
My sophomore year of college I made the decision to pledge Virginia Tech's chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. APO is a national service fraternity that stresses the importance of leadership, friendship, and service. Through APO I have had the opportunity to participate in some truly incredible service projects ranging from Special Olympics, to serving dinner at a homeless shelter, to volunteering at a local Elementary School as part of an anti-bullying program.
'Lunch Buddies' and 'Recess Buddies' have been two of the most rewarding service projects that I have participated in. Both are part of anti-bullying programs for local Blacksburg Elementary schools. The goal of each is to make any child that could be left out, or a target for bullying, feel included. Weekly, I go and have lunch with the kids, and also play at recess with them. It has been amazing to help a child who may have been feeling left out feel special and important simply by talking to them, and listening to what they have to say. Being a part of service programs such as this one has strengthened my desire to be teacher, and to inspire children to be their best.