I am new to the rhythms of Rumba, but my heart has always synced to a philanthropic beat.
Before I came to Arizona State University (ASU) as a Medallion Scholar, I volunteered throughout high school for many organizations including FED. It largely served the homeless population in Mesa with canned food and clothing drives. I developed an affinity for community work around hunger and homelessness which led me to found the Student United Way at ASU.
As an undergrad, I discovered another passion: dancing. I also discovered that a good dancer and an effective philanthropist share many of the same qualities:
- Strong Stance: In dance, you must have a strong posture, the same way a volunteer must have a strong belief in her cause. A strong foundation is fundamental to both.
- Flexibility: The ability to move and flow with ease is as necessary to founding a student organization as it is in dance. Things don’t always go as planned. Patience and the ability to adjust to other members’ often unpredictable schedules are crucial.
- Commitment: Practice makes perfect. I’m devoted to putting in the hours to nail every step and movement. I owe it to my partner to give my all. As a United Way volunteer, I owe it to my community to give 100 percent to make the Valley a better place for all.
A dancer who follows her own lead inspires others to follow theirs—just as someone passionate about giving back to the community inspires others to do the same. Giving yourself fully to the experience—whether dancing or volunteering—can’t help but transform yourself and everyone around you.
Join my former Student United Way members Saturday, Nov. 15 for “Dancing With The Devils” and groove the night away for yourself and more importantly, for a good cause.
