This week’s profile features none other than Megan Malaby, one of EC’s most dedicated Dance Marathon exec members. She took the time to explain to us what exactly this event entails and gave us her own personal details about how it has impacted her college career. If you’re feeling generous by the end, or even inspired, click the link below to help Megan support the kids! As they say, “FTK!”
Megan Malaby’s ECDM Fundraising Page
Class Year: Senior
Zodiac Sign: Total Gemini
Favorite Spot in Boston: My newest obsession is Eataly at the Pru!
Current Involvement at Emmanuel: ECDM Business Chair, RA in St. Joes, Special Events Intern at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Omicron Delta Kappa
Her Campus Emmanuel: Tell us a little bit about yourself so our readers can get a better understanding of who you are!
Megan Malaby: My name is Megan, but you are more than welcome to call me MegMal. I am a Mainer through and through. I’m majoring in history and pursuing a career in nonprofit management, and my absolute favorite things are laughing, my best friends, and good food!
HCE: Coming from such a small town in Maine, in what ways has Boston influenced you as a person?
MM: Boston has given me more opportunities to grow and learn than I could ever name!
HCE: As a senior, what would you say are some of your most memorable moments from going to college in Boston?
MM: I definitely just had to scroll through my Instagram for highlights, there are so many! It was unreal to experience a World Series win during my first semester at Emmanuel and a Super Bowl victory during my last, I’ve gotten to see some amazing concerts, and I’ve certainly taken advantage of every discount my Emmanuel ID could ever get me.
HCE: Anyone who knows you, knows your passion and dedication for Dance Marathon. What exactly is this event and why have you gotten so involved with it over the years?
MM: Dance Marathon is truly love in action. In simple terms, it’s a year long fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (at Emmanuel we support Boston Children’s Hospital) that culminates in a 12 hour overnight celebration of the funds we have raised. But it’s so much more: it’s breakthroughs in simulation technology, birthday parties on the oncology floor, and “welcome home” banners for the bravest little superheroes. I was hesitant to go my freshman year but thankfully a friend took me and totally changed my life! This year I am the Business Chair, responsible for overseeing Fundraising, Hospitality, Hospital Relations, Donor Relations, and Dancer Relations.
HCE: It’s definitely a worthwhile cause and sounds like a memorable time, too. You recently reached your fundraising goal for the year! Congrats! Is there anything special you wish to say to those who support you?
MM: If nothing else: THANK YOU! With some incredibly selfless donors, I was able to beat my original goal of $2K. So I crunched some numbers and found that if I raised my goal to $4,403, I would have raised $7K for Boston Children’s Hospital over my four years in the program. Lucky 7s, how could I not raise my goal? So I posted on Facebook about my 7 revelation, and the support flooded in. I reached that goal in less than 24 hours, and now it’s time for me to raise my goal again!
HCE: Has your involvement in Dance Marathon influenced what your goals for after college are in any way?
MM: When I came to college, I had a solid elevator pitch. “Hi, I’m Meg, I want to be a lawyer,” or something like that. Since starting ECDM, then accepting an internship at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust (the fundraising arm of the hospital), I’ve learned that there are so many ways to achieve justice. It’s not all about courtrooms. I have found something that makes me feel like I’m doing good for the world everyday.
HCE: Do you have any words of advice for those looking to make a difference in their community?
MM: Never stop talking, thinking, or obsessing about what you’re passionate about. If you ever go into my room, you’ll see my “inspiration wall”: a BCH banner, pictures from events for my internship, the letters FTK, a cutout of my home state, and sweet notes from my closest friends to name a few. Waking up and looking right at my mission keeps me going every day.
HCE: Daily inspiration, love that! Again, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We really enjoyed hearing your thoughts and wish you all the best during your last months here at Emmanuel.
Interested in learning more about Dance Marathon? The event starts on March 25th at 10 PM in the EC Gymnasium. There’s still a ton of time to sign up and make some miracles, so grab your friends and get started!