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During spring break, I traveled to San Juan, Texas with nine undergraduate students. We worked with individuals from Central America who had been detained after crossing the Mexican border. They were given a shower, two meals, new clothes, legal advice, and a phone call. Many of these people had been on the road for months, fleeing violence and extreme poverty in their homeland. It was an eye-opening experience for all of us. We were so grateful to the people for sharing their stories with us and we can only hope that we gave them some hope as they continue their journey towards a better life. I cannot imagine picking up your life and risking everything to migrate to a country you know little about and that you know does not want you. The students and I learned so much from each other, from the brave people we met, and from the amazing volunteers and leaders at the Respite Center. Keep your hearts and minds open!

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This year has been a busy year for me! Most recently, I volunteered as an adult leader for Downers Grove North and South's Operation Snowball, a 2-day drug and alcohol-free leadership retreat. At the event, I helped facilitate small group discussion on topics including suicide, self-harm, alcohol, drugs, and eating disorders. As the volunteer graduate advisor for NIU's own Dance Marathon organization, I helped coordinate NIU's third annual Dance Marathon event,  which took place on February 27 and raised $35,061 for the Children's Miracle Network and Lurie Memorial Children's Hospital in ChicagoI have also volunteered at both the Illinois Counseling Association and Illinois School Counselor Association conferences as a workshop monitor as well as assisted with various new student events within the counseling program.

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I coordinated and completed a service-learning trip through Huskie Alternative Breaks to Guatemala in January 2016. A team of 10 students and faculty went to Guatemala and built a house and installed a stove in the house for a local family. Additionally, we built another family a hen house to help them start their own business. We were there for one week and were able to get to experience some of the Guatemalan culture. I was also a participant in the NIU Make a Difference Day in September, and set up a screening of the documentary The Homestretch during Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in the fall. Lastly, I participated in the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Community walk. I fundraised for the event, as well as assisted with various activities throughout the set up of the walk.

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I have spent about 20 hours of volunteer work with Tails, the Sycamore Animal Shelter, this year. Not only is the work fun, but it is extremely rewarding to know that you have helped give some love to animals who need a loving home. Volunteer work consisted of organizing supplies, filling dog congs with treats, and playing with the cats and dogs. Although I do not have a picture while volunteering, I do have a picture with my brother and our new adopted sister Ava! She is our first dog and because I have spent time volunteering at the animal shelter, I now have a whole new appreciation for giving love to this innocent and loving puppy :)