Many people have heard about the Make-A-Wish foundation (a charity which grants the wishes of children who have cancer and other serious illnesses) or even have personal experiences with it. What many of you gamecocks may not know, however, is that there is actually a Make-A-Wish club right here on campus. The club is only a few years old but has already gotten to work on raising money for Make-A-Wish children in the Columbia area. This week’s campus celeb, Rachael Luff, is the vice president of Make-A-Wish USC, and also has personal ties with the foundation. Keep reading to hear about her past experience with Make-A-Wish and learn a little more about Rachael!
Hometown:
Andover, NJ
Major/Graduating year:
English/Secondary Education, Class of 2015
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
I hope to get a job as a high school English teacher or join the Peace Corps following graduation, and actively involve myself in community service for the rest of my life. I hope that, through example, I can teach my students to love service as much as I do!
How/why did you get involved with Make-A-Wish club?
I became involved in the Make-A-Wish club when it was founded at the beginning of my sophomore year. While perusing clubs on the USC website, I noticed it right away. My older sister and best friend, Stephanie, had Leukemia as a child and the Make-A-Wish Foundation sent our entire family to Disney World once she regained enough health to travel. I still have memories of the beautiful, smiling Make-A-Wish representatives at my kitchen table, and I’ve loved the charity ever since. The gift of happiness and hope is invaluable, and I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to support Make-A-Wish in its mission at my school.
What have you done so far with Make-A-Wish Club?
Over the past two years, we’ve been experimenting with the best ways to raise money for our Wish children and increase our presence on campus. We’ve been lucky enough to find very dedicated members, and we’re looking forward to making maximum impact on campus next year with our current group and everyone else who loves and supports our cause!
Are you involved in anything else around campus?
Make-A-Wish is the only club I’m involved in at USC, but I’m a tutor for the AVID Program in Richland District Two, as well. I spend time in classrooms at a middle school and a high school, and I love both.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do is spend time outdoors hiking, exploring, and relaxing. I love taking a book and my journal to the River Walk and spending time there, and I’ve found some great trails nearby. I love to take drives and jam out to music in my car, and have epic solo dance parties in my room at home. I love laughing so hard I can’t breathe with the friends I’ve made at USC. :)
What’s your favorite thing about USC?
I love walking around our stunning campus, especially in the spring. It feels like Eden. I love all the sidewalks and beautiful neighborhoods surrounding campus, as well. It’s so nice to be able to walk around and appreciate the area, even between classes.
What is something that not very many people know about you?
I eat ice cream every single day. I absolutely cannot- and don’t want to- live without it.