'She's the First' at SU: Putting Scholarship into Action

*About a month ago, Her Campus ran a story on the She's the First media campaign: http://hercampus.com/career/shes-first-new-media-campaign-aims-change-world. Read on to see how SU is getting involved!

Here at SU, we see the phrase “Scholarship in Action” everywhere. This mantra is emblazoned on every banner and brochure. It’s all over, from the Dome to Bird Library – it’s more ubiquitous on our campus than Uggs, Northface jackets, and leggings worn as pants.

But have you really thought about putting “Scholarship in Action” into action? It might sound a little too ambitious at first, but through an awesome non-profit organization called She’s the First, bringing this phrase to life is easier and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

I got involved in She’s the First with the help of SU junior Christen Brandt. Our mutual friend created this organization with the goal of finding sponsors for girls’ education across the globe, and Christen was appointed Director of these efforts.

Now, just three months after the Novemeber launch of She’s the First, Christen, her fellow SU junior Rachael Datello, and I are working together to gather support from the entire campus.

Now, you may be wondering, why are we focused on girls’ education? It’s simple: When girls gain education, they use their knowledge and skills to benefit their communities. They earn higher wages, which they use to build healthy, strong families. By sponsoring girls’ education, we help them to make their world a better place.

So take a step back and think. You know how much you hate that 8 AM class, or how you would rather stand outside in the frigid Syracuse temperatures than sit through your chemistry lab? When you put it into perspective, these sacrifices are small compared to what girls in the developing world go through just to receive an education. As annoying as early classes and labs are, at least we have the means to attend them and invest in our futures.

In my role as Campus Outreach Coordinator, I’m responsible for building relationships with various student groups on campus, from residence halls to sororities. It’s no small feat, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to work with friends and hone my public relations skills in the process.

If you’re committed to making a difference in these girls’ lives, join in the She’s the First campaign. Start by checking out our website, shesthefirst.org, and watching our inspiring PSA featuring singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque. Then, email me at chelsea@shesthefirst.org to set up a time for us to talk about how you and your friends can sponsor a girl.

Let’s make “Scholarship in Action” come alive, and help these girls be the first to be anything they want.