Why do you think the Student Red Cross Club is important and meaningful on campus?
The Student Red Cross Club is one of the largest student service organizations at Penn State. Our goal is to promote the mission of the American Red Cross while getting students and young adults interested in a service. Many students at Penn State will recognize our club because or our huge presence in terms of blood drives; each year, we collect around 8,000 units of blood, which helps to supply Central Pennsylvania hospital with the constant need for blood. However, SRCC is also involved in other areas of service, including training students in First Aid, CPR, and AED, Youth Programs at local elementary schools, Disaster Training to respond to catastrophes around the country, and support for military personnel, in addition to THON and Relay for Life on campus. The Student Red Cross has an important impact on campus because it gives other student organizations to get involved in service projects that they might not otherwise have access to. We are able to give all kinds of students from different backgrounds and interests the opportunity to serve both our school and our community.
How did you decide to take on your role as president of the Student Red Cross Club?
I have been involved in the Student Red Cross Club since my Freshman year at Penn State, and previously was involved in the blood drives at my high school. Being heavily involved in the club for so long and holding multiple leadership positions, I felt that I would be a good fit for president. I had lots of ideas for the club and I wanted the opportunity to take the club in a new direction, in light of a new era. Hopefully, my year as the President of the Student Red Cross Club will demonstrate my commitment to the club, service, and to the school.
How does your work with the Red Cross give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?
Being able to work with the American Red Cross through the Penn State Student Red Cross Club has helped me to hone my leadership skills and really learn about my personal leadership style. Prior to being involved in the club, I was quiet and shy, but now, I have no problem speaking to large groups of people, I have learned how to better manage my time, and work with others more effectively. I am a very detail oriented person and so being the president allows me to focus on specific issues that the club needs to address, while keeping the big picture in mind as well. My volunteering with the Red Cross has given me the opportunity to explore my interests on many levels, especially in terms of working with others and helping everyone to reach their potential.
Learn more about the Penn State Student Red Cross Club on their website.