Jessica Duca, is a Senior early childhood/special education major. She chose this major because she wanted to change lives. Her passion for helping children is what sparked her interest in CURE. This organization raises money for sick and disabled children in developing countries. What makes it truly unique is that members of the club have direct contact with the children they raise money for via skype, cards, and emails. This is because spiritual healing is just as important as physical healing.
Jessica found out about CURE because the organization followed her on social media. Once she saw what the organization was all about, she knew she had to bring it to IUP. The turnout for CURE IUP has been overwhelming and with members spanning many different majors. Jessica wants people to know that you don’t have to be an education, child development, or pre-med major if you want to help sick kids. Everyone is welcome to join CURE and fulfil this passion!
Aside from being the president/founder of CURE IUP, Jessica is very involved with with Amplify Church as a worship leader. One of her best experiences at IUP has been at the Amplify events on Tuesday nights in the HUB.
Through CURE, she has been able to bring her passion for spirituality and helping children to college students. She wants to bring awareness about the “suffering people in the world that need our help in healing.”
Jessica isn’t new to humanitarian work with children. She lived in the Netherlands for 6 months during a study abroad program in her freshman year of college. Last summer she went on a volunteer abroad trip to the Dominican Republic where she taught local children and repaired homes. While Jessica certainly changed these kids’ lives, her life was also changed—“after spending two weeks with these children and this community, my life is forever changed.” These experiences have had such a lasting impact on her and she hopes that other college students can have the same experiences through CURE IUP.
After graduation, Jessica hopes to take a gap year to go on a mission trip before she applies to graduate school for Christian Counseling. CURE has given her a lot of options for future job opportunities whether it’s working abroad or with a non-profit organization. There is no doubt that Jessica will be making a difference in children’s lives worldwide. Her selflessness and dedication to helping children is admirable and for that, she is truly an IUP celebrity!