You were asked to join the ReInvision Huntingdon board. Why do you feel you are a good fit?
I recently returned to Huntingdon after ten years away for both college and work. Huntingdon has always been home to me, and I knew that someday I would be back. Now that that day has come, RIH is a great fit because I can share some of the experiences and positive aspects of my former communities and try to implement them here.
What do you bring to the organization?
As board members, I think we all bring this to the organization, but the answer is simply a passion to help make this place a greater Huntingdon! We all want to live in wonderful community which is why we are doing what we are doing.
What is your profession and why did you choose this profession?
I work in Higher Education Fundraising. College campuses always provide a vibrant atmosphere and are a constant reminder of the promise in the world ahead. It is a great feeling to help people who are passionate about your institution find a way to make a deep and meaningful impact on young, talented individuals through philanthropy.
What is your favorite volunteering experience? How did/does this experience change you?
As a college student I had the opportunity to spend Eve weeks in South Africa as part of a college mission trip. The intent of this trip was to serve the people of South Africa who needed it the most. We were there to share our love, spread our faith, and bring any amount of joy and help that we could. While I was there I had the opportunity to work on community restoration projects, participate in after school programs, serve in soup kitchens and many other things. Going into the trip I thought that I was going to come out feeling like I had done so much good for the people I spent my time with. However, I came out with a feeling that was exactly the opposite. Every person I came in contact with while I was there left a lasting impression on my heart and it was these people that have done more good for me than I could ever do for them. They were all extremely inspiring and have instilled in me a desire to continue serving people and needs in our own communities here at home.
Why do you choose to live/work in Huntingdon?
My husband and I are both from this area. While we were living away we always found ourselves making plans to come home on the weekends to spend time with family. We finally realized that instead of driving to be here on the weekends, it would make more sense to simply move and settle into life here. We are extremely happy that we did! We are having a wonderful time reacquainting to the area and spending a lot of quality time with family and friends.
How would you like to positively impact our community? What do you want to see happen here? What is your ideal Huntingdon?
I would like to see a more lively Huntingdon. I have lived in a city and I have lived in a large college town, and no matter the size, it’s a great feeling to see people out and about in the community. I would like to continue to see community events that line the streets of downtown. I would like to see people supporting the local businesses we have right here at home and people simply out exploring and enjoying all the great things this town has to offer.