Hoos Serving

Caroline Hallowell is a second-year in the College of Arts & Sciences and serves as the Head Program Director for Madison House's Summer Programs and as the Coordinating Program Director for Madison House Medical Services. Caroline also is a volunteer in the Acute Pediatric Program at UVA Health System and a Project SERVE Site Leader.

How did you first get involved?

I have always found one of the best ways to connect with people is through community service. I stumbled upon these programs at the Activities Fair and ended up falling in love with community service work. The opportunity to meet new people and to connect to my community both in UVA and in Charlottesville really appealed to me.

What has been most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect of my community involvements has been the opportunity to meet more people and make connections in my community. I have found it doesn't take a lot to make a difference in someone's day, just being able to offer someone a smile and a reprieve from small problems can make a huge difference.

What is your #CommunityCommitment this year?

My next/current #CommunityCommitment is working on Madison House's Summer Programs! I have recently taken on the role of Head Program Director for Summer Programs, and I am looking forward to trying a different role and connecting more with people in the Charlottesville community. I want to try something different and Summer Programs has a wide range of opportunities that meet many different interests. The volunteer application is open and if you are here over the summer for at least three weeks, you should consider volunteering with Summer Programs!

How would you encourage others to get involved?

Find what you love or find an issue in the community that connects with your interests! Use that as a way to find a volunteer experience that you are really passionate about. Many organizations in UVA also have ways to get more connected with the community. See if any of the organizations you are involved with have a connection to a volunteer experience or see if anyone in that organization is involved with a volunteer program that also aligns with that organization's interests.

What is your favorite UVA tradition?

I absolutely love Trick or Treating on the Lawn! It is so amazing to see kids dressed up in great costumes!

If you could do one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?

I would reduce health disparities between people, so that everyone would be able to have a chance at a long and healthy life, where they might have the chance to accomplish everything they want to in life!