People of Pathways

How would you describe your public service journey at UVA?

My experience with public service has been incredibly rewarding. Volunteering tends to attract people who are not driven by monetary gain, but rather fulfilled service for others. I’ve been volunteering since the start of my first year at UVA, so my journey has been both long and meaningful. Over the years, I’ve realized that a sense of purpose is so valuable and difficult to ignore when you are involved in service.  

What is your favorite part about working with the communities you serve?

My favorite part of service is the connections that I’ve made with both the people I work with and the community that I serve. I’ve grown a lot in my interpersonal skills and patient care, and learned that regardless of your differences, there is always a shared understanding between people. Those experiences are what make service worthwhile.  

How do you balance volunteering, leadership, and service, whilst still being a UVA student? 

Time management has been my best friend throughout college. It’s difficult, and I made some mistakes, whether I’d overcommitted myself or backed out on certain events. Addressing those situations can be daunting, but it is all a learning curve. I came out of high school thinking that I was a very organized individual, but I learned through my time at UVA that there is always room for improvement. I am a firm believer that if you love your service enough, you will make time for it, and it won’t feel like sacrificing your schedule.  

What inspired your major and how are you using that inspiration in how you do service now? 

I came into UVA as a biology major. However, I had a mentor who advised me to follow my passions–even if that entailed a non-traditional career path. I had always enjoyed Spanish and, after being placed into a higher-level course, I found myself even more invested in the subject. I took my mentor's advice and declared the Spanish major as a first year. Around the same time, through my service as an EMT, I became friends with UVA alumni on my crew. They spoke very highly of the Global Public Health major and encouraged me to pursue it. I took a course my second year, and was soon accepted to the major. The early guidance I received was incredibly important. I try to be that mentor for new members on my crew. I want to encourage others to study what they love and take risks in their academic career. I don’t regret any decisions I made, and I want to inspire others to do the same.

What advice do you have for those interested in public service?

Choose something that not only aligns with your passions in life but also is going to challenge you. I joined my crew at eighteen years old and was lucky to be surrounded by providers with years of education and experience. Being a part of pre-hospital emergency care was difficult and I’ll admit, intimidating at first. However, I grew both intellectually and personally, something that I only gained by stepping out of my comfort zone. Public Service is incredibly rewarding, but it also shapes who you are. Find a community that will push you to grow–beyond your service. 

What spot on Grounds is your favorite?

I’m from Charlottesville, so my answer will always be Bodo’s Bagels!