Name: Mattie Ball
Year: Junior
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
What are you involved in on campus?
I am the Vice President of Sisterhood Development for Phi Mu Fraternity and I am a Co-Chair of Entertainment for the Dance Marathon Executive Board.
What have been your goals as Co Chairman of Entertainment for Dance Marathon?
Dance Marathon is an event that is very close to my heart. One of our goals has been to make sure that people feel comfortable and excited about Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon is a thirteen hour event that benefits Medical University of South Carolina’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and each hour has different entertainment and activities. This is my second year on the executive board and my co-chair, Katie, and I are so excited to be able to tailor the event to the interests of the participants. Planning the event itself is so fun and rewarding but my hope for this year is to bring more motivation and passion to Dance Marathon.
Having been involved with Dance Marathon since freshmen year, what have been some experiences you’ve valued the most?
Above all else, I value the impact that Dance Marathon has had on the patient families who attend. This past year on the executive board, I had the honor of meeting so many patient families and really feeling their indescribable love and hope. Dance Marathon is an unreal event filled with hope and compassion. I know that Dance Marathon has the power to change patient’s lives but just being a small part of this event has changed my own life.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
College is the time to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s important to take advantage of all opportunities awarded to you and have as much fun as possible, obviously.
What piece of wisdom or advice do you try to live by?
Live your truth. To me this means being authentic, genuine, and comfortable being yourself.