Service and community engagement are a way of life at Georgetown, following the University's tradition of women and men for others. How have you demonstrated service to others?

One of my most poignant childhood Christmas memories is of my Dad telling me that I must give one of my presents to a foster child at the Colorado Christian Home. Although this news was both confusing and distressing at first, as I later handed off a new football to a child my own age, I saw the face of sincere gratitude. Just as the football was the first of many presents to be given to the Home, this experience was my first of many in community service. My father’s lesson established in me an unwavering duty to serve those less fortunate than I am.

This mantra of community service has played a meaningful role in my life in New York. In particular, I actively work with two philanthropic organizations in which I deeply believe: the Fresh Air Fund and Year-Up. I have been involved with the Fresh Air fund for nearly five years and Year-Up for two years. Each group supports at-risk urban youth from New York’s five boroughs to help close the demographic opportunity divide. My involvement has been balanced between ground level support, tutoring Fresh Air Fund students and mentoring Year-Up participants, and fundraising support, ensuring that the organizations have resources to achieve their goals. Witnessing the gratitude on the faces of the students with whom I work serves to keep me grounded and reminds me of my lifelong duty to help others.