This week’s Profile is on Alyssa Sanchez, a freshman who is a Pre-Medical Biology Major and seeking minors in Chemistry and Spanish. Alyssa started her own non-profit organization while still in high school. This organization, called “A Mere Student,” ensures that students have the supplies they need to be successful in school. Alyssa is a true inspiration and we are pleased to feature her as our first Profile.
When did you start this organization and why?
“While in high school, I participated in four mission trips, three of which took place in the United States and one internationally. On my fourth mission trip, I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel internationally to Guatemala. My time and experience in Guatemala, as well as my in-state mission trips, gifted me with a whole new level of gratitude for my personal blessings; more specifically, I recognized many blessings we sometimes take for granted, such as an education and having more than enough food to eat. I came home from my last mission trip with a need to do more for others. Inspired by mission work experiences, I founded A Mere Student, which is the name of my 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in early 2013. A Mere Student’s mission strives to assist students, and their families, through their academic years. A Mere Student provides students with school supplies, canned goods, as well as goodie bags for those that are less fortunate. I also recruit for student volunteers that help me with my projects as a means of demonstrating what ‘A Mere Student’ can do.”
What does that name of the organization mean to you?
“My full name is Alyssa Marie Sanchez therefore, my given initials are AMS. A Mere Student and I both share the same initials. Additionally, A Mere Student’s name signifies that no matter your age, you can make a significant difference in the world around you.”
What has been the most important thing you have learned from starting an organization?
“When I founded A Mere Student I thought that all of my reach would be solely to help the needy. But what I found was that my reach was far greater than just that. Using my leadership skills, I began recruiting my colleagues to assist me with the volunteer work and project management. I found that, with each and every project, I was able to inspire, motivate, and teach my peers about community service. I learned that, in the process of helping the needy in my community, I was able to teach my peers about the necessity of their involvement. While my peers were not needy for material things, they were needy as far as involvement and compassion. That has been the greatest gift. With each project, I give to those in need and those who can help those in need.”
What are your goals going into 2016 for the organization?
“To incorporate more college student volunteers. I am currently hoping to create a board of ‘mere students,’ and I am hoping to gain board members from various different age groups. The mass majority of my current volunteer community consists of middle schoolers and high schoolers. Which I think is great! However, seeing an older population of volunteers would be fantastic. So, hopefully some of my fellow UNCG students would be up for a board position.”
How can UNCG students get involved?
“They can refer to A Mere Students Facebook page. There, I post upcoming projects as well as any requests I may have for volunteers.
Check out A Mere Student on Facebook!