USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 word limit)
When I was about 8 years old, my family visited an orphanage in Mumbai, India to complete the process of adopting my sister. There, I witnessed first-hand the plight of children who were lacking vital resources such as proper food and education. I was determined to try to help, and worked hard at my chores to earn a small amount of money to donate. This simple act marked the beginning of my interest in volunteering.
Later, in 2009, I formed a group called “Supplies4Students” with three of my friends in order to collect school supplies for underprivileged children. After collecting donations from friends, schools, and businesses, we were able to send items to help a thousand schoolchildren in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Tanzania, and America.
In 2012 I established a non-profit organization called the VR1 Foundation. VR1 has two interlocking purposes: hosting events to help further education, and donating supplies to the underprivileged. The money and donations we receive from the “fundraising” branch help us purchase the supplies that we distribute through the “projects” branch.
VR1 has helped more people than I could have ever imagined. We have collected money and donated supplies to people from the United States, India, and many countries in Africa. Through volunteering, I have become a part of a community so much bigger than I would have ever expected, and it is always amazing to know that my efforts are helping make a change in this world.
More information available at www.vr1foundation.org.