As the event lead for Relay for Life, one of the campus’s largest student-run events that promote the fight against cancer, Carolyn Vo has a lot of responsibility. You would be surprised to find that despite having such a large event to oversee, Carolyn is also involved in various other aspects of school and the community, whether it be the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, interning at the UC Davis Mind Institute, or working with children at the Northern California Children’s Therapy Center. This busy-bee is not only passionate about what she does, but is also a thoughtful and intellectual individual who takes on life with tenacity and zeal.
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology with an Emphasis in Biology
Hometown: Torrance, CA
How did you get involved with Colleges Against Cancer?
I’ve been with Colleges Against Cancer, the organization that coordinates Relay for Life since my sophomore year. I actually didn’t apply for the position of Event Chair. I was actually given the position of subcommittee, which wasn’t a very specific role or had much responsibility. The Executive Team thought I’d be good for Fundraising and so I decided that I’d contribute in whatever way they needed me for the greater good of the cause, even if that was the one position I tried to steer clear of. The Event Chair eventually
How long have you been with Colleges Against Cancer?
This is my 3rd year with CAC.
What do your duties involve in CAC?
My duties mainly involve overseeing the planning of Relay and all the strategic directions within CAC/RFL to make sure we have a successful year for Relay and our student organization. There’s a lot of delegating, planning, scheduling, checking in, email writing, outreach to various contacts within campus and the Davis community, tabling – you name it. I work with the Executive Team and Event Leadership Team to make sure they have the resources to carry out their tasks and responsibilities. They are the heart and soul of Relay for Life and I couldn’t do it without them.
What major events do you have planned for the year?
We host a lot of volunteering events, community outreach, and other events to really spread cancer awareness and encourage our campus to participate in Relay. We also have Paint the Campus Purple in Spring Quarter! It’s when we have an entire week of spreading cancer awareness on our campus to promote Relay for Life. Relay for Life itself is a huge event with student performing groups, DJs, fitness instructors that lead 2am Zumba, fun activities such as dodge ball, Mr./Mrs. Relay, and so much more!
What have you learned from CAC? What do you love most about it?
CAC taught me responsibility on a whole new level. We’re not your typical student organization. I always say this, but CAC is family and whether or not you’re “officially” in CAC, we treat everyone who comes to us like family. Because in essence, we are a support group. When I joined CAC/RFL, I had no idea that I’d form such close-knit bonds with the people in it. Without them, I couldn’t have gotten through a lot of hardships on my own.
What are your plans for the future?
Graduate, get a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and take my board exams to become a licensed OT! My dream school is the USC Occupational Therapy School.
What are some of your proudest moments and why?
Running the Nike Women’s Marathon with a PR of 2:14 and breaking free from my family’s and my own expectations to switch majors and pursue a career that is more meaningful, fits my personality, and can make me happy in the long run.
How do you think CAC impacts others’ lives?
CAC impacts our community by spreading cancer awareness and education to help reduce everyone’ risk of cancer. CAC also impacts people’s lives in a personal way, whether or not you’ve been affected by cancer directly or indirectly. And lastly, CAC is a way to give back to your community, your loved ones, and yourself. It’s a way for us to be a part of something greater and to really make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families/caregivers.