Spring Update!

       Hi friends! Sorry for the delay in posting--as I'm sure you know, I have been as busy as ever this Spring season!  Since my last post, so much has happened!  I've officially made it halfway through my undergraduate career, amongst several other accomplishments.  Not only did I survive the semester, but I earned a Millis Scholar Athlete Award and a Gamma Eta Strive for Pi Award!  For now, I'll give you just a few highlights of this amazing semester.  For a detailed day-by-day run-down of the past few months, you can visit any of my social media sites!  The links are as follows:

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron
Twitter:       https://twitter.com/KCandVO
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron

       As all college students know, general education courses are often seen as something to dread.  For me, I've never looked forward to a math or science "gen-ed."  At High Point University, we are lucky to have several unique general education options that are enjoyable and relevant.  I chose to enroll in "Philosophy and Ethics of Education."  My expectations for this class were far exceeded as I was informed it is what we at HPU call a "service learning" course.  For 15 weeks, twice a week,  I visited Oak Hill Elementary School and taught a group of students about service.  Oak Hill is a Title One school where most of the children receive service rather than perform it.  Here are a few highlights from my time with the Oak Hill kids!

Their mascot is "Oakie" the Owl :)

 Our first service project was a donation to a nursing home! I cut the bottoms of water bottles to resemble snowflakes, and had the kids decorate them!  They learned all about recycling and the ability to brighten someone else's day through an enjoyable craft project!  

 For one lesson, we talked about the meaning of Volunteerism and read "The Littlest Volunteers."  We then completed a volunteer word-search and talked about how we can each become volunteers for our own communities!

 The "Rainbow Loom" bracelet trend is rampant throughout elementary schools everywhere.  For another service lesson, we made bracelets to donate to children in the hospital!

We decorated these foam shapes with "Get Well Soon" and "Happy Easter" messages before I left my student group for Easter Break.  While I was home, I delivered their creations along with flowers donated through my Children's Miracle Network Easter flower sale to patients at Inspira Hospital!

My sweet cousin Maddi joined me in delivering the goodies to Inspira!

To combine my own service with my Oak Hill experience, I donated ten boxes of recycled crayons that I had collected from Applebee's of Deptford through "Color My World."  I know I made an impact both during my semester, and after I left :)

       During my Spring Break, I was able to come home to New Jersey to kick-start my "Kindness Kids" campaign!  I visited my own 5th grade teachers Mrs. Dragon and Mrs. Connelly, to set up an awesome program.  I gave both classes a lesson on volunteerism and we completed a project to get their  service gears turning!

Thank you so much Mrs. Connelly and Mrs. Dragon for helping me launch this awesome program!

 

Since social media has become so prominent in young students, I decided to incorporate a short lesson on how to use social media positively!  Whenever the students perform a kind act or volunteer in some way, they add it to their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and use the hashtag #KindnessKids and #KindIsCool!  This has been a great way for me to connect with my friends while I'm at school. 

I took a photo of their crafts and posted it on Instagram while they finished up to show them how quickly you can spread a positive message and to encourage them to only use that ability to benefit others.

       I was especially excited to visit a first grade class at Centre City Elementary School to visit my very own teacher, Mrs. Spicer!  Speaking to young children about volunteerism is so refreshing and exciting. Watching them comprehend just how simple and fulfilling philanthropy can be is truly touching.  I read the students "The Littlest Volunteers" and joined them in coloring St. Patrick's Day cards!  I then donated the cards to the Gloucester County Serv-A-Tray program to add to their meals on St. Patrick's Day.

       Being a part of a sorority has given me the opportunity to spread my "Keep Calm and Volunteer On" mission even further!  As Philanthropy Coordinator, I have planned plenty of events and fundraisers to benefit JDRF!  I am so proud to have completed my first MAJOR fundraiser, "Twist Off."  It was a huge success and tons of fun!

 If you haven't heard of "messy Twister," this is the aftermath…

The winning team, "Kappa Alpha," after their victorious game!

       After finishing up my Sophomore year and returning home, the business didn't end!  I kept myself busy with plenty of service opportunities and pageant prep :)  Here are a few highlights of the month of May thus-far!

Miss New Jersey Golf Outing with my fabulous pageant sister, Anna :)  We were stationed at the free car hole!  Anyone who got a hole-in-one won a car.  Lots of pressure for us to be the witnesses ;)

A small piece of the Class of 2014 at the golf outing!

One of my favorite volunteer opportunities is being a "Buddy" for the Miracle League!  My cousin, Maddi, and friend, Hannah, joined me in playing baseball with the special needs students of Bankbridge school.

Another tradition I love!  I walked for the third time in the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Walk on the Miss NJ team!  Here a few of my pageant sisters and I took a pit stop for a photo-op with the Miss America statue outside of Boardwalk Hall!  

I visited the Woodbury Elementary school's "GALs" program to teach them how to be Kindness Kids! We made Mother's Day flower pots and I delivered them to the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey.  Hopefully, the mothers residing at the RMH were able to find this small token as a reason to smile during their family's difficult time.

Thank you to everyone who helped make my "Zumbathon" a success!  I was able to reach my fundraising goal for Children's Miracle Network and have a great time :)

 Caroline, leader of the "People for the Poor" organization and I hit it off at this worth-while fundraising event!

 Donations benefit folks in shelters and at soup kitchens.  This little guy was eager to help :)

My Miss Seashore Line Outstanding teen, Gabi, helped me collect funds!

 My Princess friend, Becca, and I made a matching bracelet and ring at my pageant sister's CMN fundraiser!  Thanks, Anna, for such a fun party!

Showing off the bling :)

     Straight from the successful fundraiser, we took a spontaneous road trip to Staten Island to watch the final night of Miss New York!  Lindsey, Anna, Cierra, Courtney, and I had such a blast together--it made us SO excited for Miss New Jersey week!!

Jersey girls take Staten Island!

What's a road trip without a car selfie?

     The next day, with very little sleep, I traveled to the Seashore Line Resort for their beautiful Memorial Day ceremony!  I was humbled to sing the National Anthem and honor those who serve our country.  

 I placed a flag in the garden in remembrance of my Pop-pop who served our country in the Korean War.

I just love how the bagpipes truly top off such a touching ceremony!  Ron is my director Carol's son and is so very talented.

       Directly after the ceremony I was reunited with some of my fellow contestants for a pageant boot camp at Training Aspects - our Miss NJ fitness sponsor!  Thank you so much to everyone at Training Aspects for pushing us to our limits and making it so fun!

For some reason we decided to take a picture after our grueling work-out…lesson learned.

       Here's a sneak peak of my Miss New Jersey swimsuit, sponsored by Kandice Pelletier!  I can't wait to wear it in just 20 short days.  

       Besides Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit, I have been preparing for my talent, interview, and gown presentation quite a bit!  It's crunch time and I couldn't love it more :)  To continue following my prep, be sure to follow me on those accounts listed in the beginning of this post!  I'll be updating frequently and can't wait to embark on this incredible journey :)

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

       "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another."

-Charles Dickens

       As the holiday season comes to a close, I thought I'd take the time to update everyone on my last few months!  I've been busy with classes at High Point University, as well as performing with the HPU Dance Team, giving tours as a University Ambassador, preparing for Alpha Gamma Delta recruitment, and as always, performing duties as Miss Seashore Line.
       After a relaxing Fall Break in Disney World, I got back to the grind right away!  For 2013 "Make A Difference Day," I gathered a few friends to do some good in our community.  We visited a local nursing home and volunteered as manicurists for the day!  It was such a fulfilling way to give back and really make a difference in the lives of residents at the High Point Place Senior Living Facility.  I can't wait to go back and visit my new friends!

Shout out to Gwen, owner of Deluxe Nails in Mullica Hill, for donating nail polish for my nursing home manicure trips in both New Jersey and North Carolina :)

       Being a part of the HPU Dance Team means performing at sporting events as well as taking part in community events around the High Point area.  The week prior to Halloween, HPU hosted local families for a safe trick-or-treat event at one of our Men's Soccer games.  My team and I danced at the game adorned in all types of costume accessories like cat ears, tutus, and more!  The Greek Community of High Point lined the track surrounding our soccer field and handed out candy to all of the adorable Power Rangers, Princesses, and pumpkins who came to do some trick-or-treating in a clean, safe environment.

       My sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, takes pride in our dedication to philanthropy.  For one of our Philanthropic events of the Fall semester, we held a Flag Football Tournament!  Groups from different organizations across campus signed up to face each other in a fun competition to benefit JDRF!  I had a blast supporting my sisters who played in the games, and was able to help set up the fields as well as clean up afterward.  I'm honored to announce that I have since been elected Philanthropy Coordinator of the 2014 Alpha Gamma Delta Executive Council!  I can't wait to help my sisters stay true to our motto, "Live With Purpose."

 We were somehow blessed with a warm day in October for our event!

 The Gam girls cheering on our participants!

My big, Katie, and I at Chapter elections :)

       It came to my attention that November 13th was "World Kindness Day."  Since my 20th birthday was November 15th, I decided to use the time between those special days to complete 20 Acts of Kindness!  I made a list of 20 acts I wanted to perform and frolicked around campus November 13th, 14th, and 15th (my birthday!) completing them.  I LOVED quietly watching people find some of the little notes and gifts I had left around campus.  I handed out lollipops to my classmates, treats to the trolley drivers and security guards, left smarties in the library, bought Starbucks for a few adults visiting campus without a student ID to pay, and so much more!  Here are a few snapshots of the experience...

 Jacey and I expressing what we're thankful for during HPU's "Gratitude Project."

 Leaving water bottles and protein bars with motivational messages on gym equipment!

 Leaving a package of popcorn with the message, "Have a poppin' day" 

in the movie section of the library :)

 Courtney, Lorena, and I visited Wishaven Animal Rehabilitation Center to donate some pet treats.  We met this little guy and heard his inspirational story.  Can't wait to visit again!!

 Returning carts left in the parking lot to their designated corral!

 Left balloons with compliments on random cars in the HPU parking lots!

 Hung "you are beautiful!" signs on mirrors all over campus!

Posing with my completed poster before my 20th Birthday dinner :)

       When I came home for a short Thanksgiving break, I was able to reunite with some of my favorite gals, my Miss New Jersey Little Stars, Brooke and Olivia!  We got together to make some adorable Thanksgiving crafts, then went for a visit at Manorcare to distribute our artwork.  The girls and I love seeing familiar faces at Manorcare and they were wonderful in knocking on the residents' room doors to spread a little cheer.  I become more and more proud of my Little Stars each time I see them.  They have become so confident in their visitation responsibilities.  Their passion, kindness, and comfortability in a sometimes uncomfortable environment is astounding.  Thanks Brooke and Liv for being such awesome Kindness Kids!!

 Our finished product!

They're the sweetest!!

Ready to share the love at Manor Care!

       After Thanksgiving, I traveled back to school to study, study, and do some more studying!  After finals came to a close, it was back to Jersey for some family time and, of course, volunteering!  Before I could do any of those enjoyable things, however, it was time for my dreaded wisdom tooth extraction.  Since I had four impacted teeth to be removed, I unwillingly set aside a week of my winter break for recovery.  Besides a reaction to the anesthesia, it went surprisingly well!  I was eating solid foods on day three and had virtually no pain.  Since I recovered so quickly, I got back in the game much sooner than expected!
       I reunited with Carol, my amazing director, to fill stockings for a Community Outreach group based in Camden.  I was also able to catch up with our beautiful Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen, Alyssa, and chat about life post-Outstanding Teen.  She's done such a fabulous job representing our state-I can't wait to see what is in store for her future!

       I was able to really swing into the Christmas spirit when I went to watch Tricia Sloan Dance Center's beautiful version of The Nutcracker.  While I so miss performing in the ballet, it was lovely to catch up with old friends, my Little Stars, and even spend some time with pageant sisters!  Kathryn Nicolle and Lindsey Petrosh, former NJOTs AND former Miss New Jerseys hosted "Clara's Tea" alongside our current Miss New Jersey, Cara!  On top of seeing those lovely ladies and seeing an awesome production, I got to see our official Miss New Jersey photographer, Richard Krauss!  He was photographing the show and it was perfect timing for me to pick up my holiday photo cards.  The previous week I had the pleasure of meeting with Richard and his wife, Fran, for my annual headshot photo shoot--I was able to sneak in a few holiday shots as well. :)

 Never a dull moment when it comes to Photoshoots with Richard :)

Love feeling like a celebrity when Miss Fran does my make-up!!

 Miss Tricia is just stunning! 

 The MAO girls at Clara's Tea Party!

My little stars rocked! So proud of their abilities and their amazing charisma :)

       Keeping in the holiday spirit, I was able to participate in numerous Christmas service opportunities!  I visited Clearview High School and made napkin rings with the Journalism class.  I then donated the cute napkin rings to the Gloucester County "Serv-A-Tray" program, which delivers meals to county residents who are disabled, homebound, or recuperating.  I'm sure the festive crafts made a nice addition to their holiday trays. :)

       I was also able to participate in the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce's "Breakfast with Santa" event.  The breakfast provides holiday cheer for eligible families in our county.  I had the entertaining job of handing gifts to Santa which he then distributed to the children who visited him!  It was so rewarding to volunteer at such an amazing event, I hope to make it part of my own seasonal traditions!

 My duties also included jingling bells for the photographer in order to catch those precious moments with the adorable (and often screaming) kiddies :)

Concetta and I were Santa's helpers...guess I'll need to invest in an elf costume for next year!!

       Later that same day I took part in another holiday event with the Angels of God Clothing Closet organization.  Angels of God set up an awesome party at the Deptford Skating and Fun Center for eligible families.  The kids in attendance also had the chance to collect a few holiday goodies and visit with Santa!  I took on the job of entertaining the kids while they waited in line to see Santa...a job that is more difficult than it sounds ;)  I had an awesome time.  There is nothing better than seeing a child's face light up--especially when you were able to be a small reason for their happiness!!

 Such a fun event!

I got to know all of the kids while they waited in line for Santa and wrote their names on goody bags!

       I was elated to join some of my favorite people at a Shore Family Holiday party!  Catching up with my pageant sisters and directors was much needed.  Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Nicolle for hosting us crazy pageant people ;)

We even got a visit from Santa!

Apparently this is how Michael envisions my hair for evening gown at Miss NJ this year...I guess you'll have to wait until June to see if I took his advice, or if they allow him to walk on stage with me while holding my hair ;)

       On Christmas Eve Eve, I joined my director, Carol, and some of my Tiny, Pre-Teen, and Teen Shore Sisters to sing at Deptford Almonesson Church's Live Nativity!  We braved the winds and rain to add some Christmas carols to their beautiful holiday tradition.  Afterward I was on a mock judging panel for the Teens to prepare for Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen which is quickly approaching!  They are such impressive young ladies--I can't wait to find out who will be our next NJOT!!

 Sweet little Ayla :)

 The Seashore Line girls!

Though it's difficult to make out, we sang between Jesus' Birthday cake and the manger :)

The crowd of singers grew as the night went on--we were a 

choir of 6 angels by the end of the Nativity :)

       I hope everyone had a joyous holiday!  This time of year is the perfect reminder of how much there is to be thankful for, and how much we are able to give back to others.  I, myself, am thankful to have spent time both serving my community and relaxing with my family.

 My wonderful family on Christmas Eve :)

The Weick cousins with our beautiful Mom-mom :)

       Next up on my agenda before returning to HPU for the Spring Semester?  I'm super excited to be launching a new program promoting service and kindness with some amazing students.  You'll be able to join us in our New Year's Resolution and share the journey of "scattering kindness" thru many social media outlets. Check out my platform Twitter and Instagram accounts, @KCandVO and 'keepcalmandvolunteeron,' respectively.  Until next year ;) May your days be merry and bright!