[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rxw_Q5BCQMr_pZoOTcaww6x1EyY_GCP8Hkw9bh7y9eS0CNv3Qh3QUqae0l44NcrZXC3si_ArtIo9FsYVNx4SpTHA7joqIZi5IV__agW7jRh-OUYROApxglIwxQaqVxjcntVZr_-b[/img]
Hi, my name is Katie Du. I am currently a junior at Horace Greeley High School. I am a social media intern for Givology. At my school, I am part of the Leadership council that volunteers at local organizations and plans special events for the student body. In addition, I am also part of the United for Youth coalition where we aim for a better substance free community. My interests include volunteering, reading, field hockey, psychology, and fashion design.
How did you find Givology and what made you want to join the organization?
I found Givology through a Google search. I was looking for volunteer/internship opportunities and came across the website. After browsing through the Givology website, I knew that I wanted to get involved. I had previously worked with organizations involving education so I found this to be a perfect match for me. I wanted to join Givology because everything that Givology stands for and values is what I value as well. It was not only an opportunity for me to make a small difference in education around the world but it was also a learning experience. I felt that joining Givology would open up my knowledge on the modern world and what it is like beyond my small bubble of life.
What does Givology’s mission mean to you? Why is Givology’s mission important to you?
Givology’s mission is to provide education to students all around the world. Especially in parts of the world where education is not a law established by the government. In the United States of America, children are given the opportunity to learn; to expand their knowledge on our universe. But in other developing areas, children don’t get the same liberty as we do. However, Givology’s mission is not just to provide access to education, it is a much more powerful message. To me, Givology’s mission means change. It means bringing a smile to someone’s face when they realize that they are finally able to receive education. It means taking a small fraction of your time to make a huge impact in someone else’s life. It means changing the world so that every little boy or girl can pick up a book and understand every single word inside it. Givology’s mission is so important to me because I want to give others the same opportunity that was given to me. Growing up, I have taken my education for granted. I wake up in the mornings dreading the thought of having to sit in lectures. Little did I know that when I was hating on the idea of school, another girl across the world was dreaming of it. No child should be denied education because of where they were born, who they are and what kind of economic status their family holds. I am so privileged to be in a part of the world where I can pursue my dreams and passions. I hope that with Givology, I can grant the same ideal to every child in the world.
What do you hope to achieve off volunteering/interning with Givology?
I hope that by interning with Givology, I can make an impact around our world. I am currently working on the Intern Interview series. The message of this series is to spread the importance of volunteering. I hope that when people read our interns’ unique reasons for volunteering, they will be inspired to make a difference as well. Every single person can make a difference. Regardless of how much time and effort you can put into volunteering, anything can make a change. Every single effort is a step into the right direction.
What is your advice for anyone thinking (unsure) about volunteering for Givology?
My advice is simple, just do it. Givology is all online and it is very flexible. All your volunteering can be done in the comfort of your house or even in your bed! No one can force you to volunteer but yourself. Think about the difference you can make and the changes Givology will make with your help. Givology is 100% volunteer based so there are areas where your skill is needed. Every single person matters and there will always be a spot for you in Givology! It is such a welcoming and united community fighting for the same cause!
What gives you motivation everyday to volunteer?
What motivates me everyday is the satisfying feeling that I can make a change. By volunteering, I know that someone else in this world will be relieved of their problems. If I can do something, I will do it. Any kind of opportunity that helps others, I will take. At the end of the day, you treat people the way you want to be treated. If you were in need of assistance, wouldn’t you also hope that someone would help you? I like to put myself in their shoes and imagine how big an impact I am making with my volunteer work.
What is your favorite cause on Givology and why?
My favorite cause on Givology is the Abaarso cause. This summer, I was given the opportunity to meet some students from Abaarso and listen to their stories. Abaarso is a school in Somalia located in the Horn of Africa. Somalia is a small isolated country where it is currently ranked #1 most fragile state in the world! The efforts of Abaarso started way back in 2008. It amazes me to see so many people contributing years of work into giving Somali girls and boys the opportunity to learn.
21 SEP 2017