My Call to Serve – Nina Farrell

     My first participation with community service was in high school, through Key Club and National Honor Society.  Among the projects I worked on in high school, the most impactful was helping with my very first blood drive.  When I donated blood for the first time, it immediately became apparent to me how such a small good deed could have a large impact on someone in need.
     When I came to Penn State, I decided to search for a service organization to join.  I not only wanted the social benefits, but to spend my time helping make Penn State a better place.  I continued donating blood on campus and joined the Student Red Cross Club as a sophomore.  Now, as a senior and as President of the SRCC, I find it meaningful to look back and appreciate how much service to my campus and community has molded me into the person I am today.  
     Service is a challenge, but is made easy through kindness and helping hands.  I have gained confidence in myself as a leader and recognize that a part of yourself goes into every hour you dedicate to helping someone else.  It is now second nature to me to encourage others to do the same – to give their time and volunteer – and make their corner of the world a little brighter.  Oddly enough, I learned after I had joined the SRCC that my great-grandmother dedicated decades of her life to the Red Cross and volunteering at blood drives.  I know for sure that my service to blood recipients is not only a part of my history, but is exactly where I am meant to be, and where my fulfillment and purpose will continue to grow.

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