Starting college can be overwhelming for many reasons. Maybe you’re in a new place far from home, or maybe you are worried about not making friends. Maybe you are stressed about the classes you are taking or your choice of major. Maybe you want to get involved on campus are hesitant because you don’t know exactly what or how. I was all of the above.
One of the first organizations I got involved with here at Clemson was Clemson Miracle, and it was one of my greatest decisions. Clemson Miracle is Clemson’s largest student-run non-profit, and it works all year to raise money for our local Children’s Miracle Hospital in Greenville, Greenville Health System. Clemson Miracle’s biggest event is the annual Dance Marathon, which is a 12-hour no-sitting event dedicated entirely FTK (For the Kids). I was on Clemson Miracle’s Morale Team, where members are responsible for individually fundraising and collectively learning/teaching a loooong (but super fun) line dance. Morale meets weekly throughout the year and gets more and more fun as Dance Marathon gets closer. Morale gave me the opportunity to get to know people that I would likely have never known.
The day of Dance Marathon makes you realize the importance behind every penny that you have fundraised. Several of our miracle kids and their families come to the event, and we get to hear from all of them. Hearing their stories and how our time and money has so greatly influenced their lives is a feeling like no other. This is the day that you get to see what not only Clemson Miracle but The Children’s Miracle Network is all about. The Clemson family and spirit just add to the greatness of the day.
There are so many ways to get involved with Clemson Miracle beyond Morale. There are seven different committees to choose from, ranging from fundraising to hospitality to working with families. You can even simply sign up to be a dancer and come on the day of Dance Marathon to celebrate your fundraising achievements and our miracle families. (You do NOT need to be a good dancer to participate in anything Clemson Miracle/Dance Marathon related!)
Make your Clemson career about something bigger than yourself and join Clemson Miracle in the best way you see fit. FTK <3