One USF student has taken every initiative to become heavily involved on campus and give back to the community. As a Relay for Life leader, she has positively impacted the USF community.
Lauren George, a junior, has been working with Relay for Life for two years now and has seen the positive impact it has had on others. George effectively leads in every organization she has become involved with and always does her best to help others. Attending USF has aided her to opening her mind and growing as a person.
“USF has positively affected me by pushing me outside my comfort zone,” George said. “This has helped me figure out what I am passionate about.”
George has moved up the Relay for Life team ladder, starting as a Team Ambassador to now being at People Lead. As a people lead, she oversees the entire event and is in charge of a committee who organizes the event. Relay for Life is a nationwide event that occurs annually for 24 hours. Throughout the event, tables sell goods and play games to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
“Relay truly is a roller coaster ride,” George said. “It truly is one of the best experiences I have participated in.”
George has seen USF Relay for Life team grow while she has been a moving force in contributing the event in the USF community. Kelly Klovensky, a Relay for Life participant, met George during the event and said her passion for the cause was contagious.
“When I began losing energy during the last few hours, Lauren pushed me to finish and see the bigger picture,” said Klovensky.
Relay for Life takes place for 24 hours so the participants can be put into the shoes of a cancer patients. As soon as the event begins, anyone diagnosed with cancer is considered a survivor and celebrated. During Relay for Life, the event experiences various stages representing similarly what someone fighting cancer may go throughout their journey.
“It isn’t well known that there is so much meaning behind it,” George said. “I love being given the opportunity to share more about what Relay really stands for.”
Besides being heavily involved in Relay for Life, George also is a member of Sigma Kappa, a Global Ambassador, and just accepted a position as Student Recruiter. George said she discovered her true passions while at USF, giving back to non-profit organizations and impacting the world on a global scale.
She is a Public Health major with a minor in Spanish with the intentions of becoming a physician’s assistant after graduation. Her ultimate goal would be to work for a non-profit part time while abroad. Dalia Elmelige, George’s roommate and Sigma Kappa sister, believes George has made a positive impact on the USF community.
“Lauren is such a selfless and caring person,” said Elmelige. “Her loving heart is apparent in everything she does.”
George’s mother was diagnosed with cancer over the summer and is now a survivor. The Relay for Life cause has become even dearer to her heart. George says she will continue to give back to compensate for everything Relay for Life has given her in return.
The best way she knows how to give thanks is to give back to her community.
For more information on how you can get involved, please check out all of the opportunities for the USF Relay For Life site.