Creativity and Service: A Walk With A Pop

Being involved with Project Unify has been one of the most impactful and meaningful experiences of my life.  I thought I had passion for creating social equality before I began to be so involved in the group but quickly realized that i had no idea what passion was before spending time with so many amazing people who were involved in the special needs community.  I had created such a strong relationship with my teacher advisor and her daughter who has Downs Syndrome, Emme.  That's why when I received the news in November of 2014 that she had been diagnosed with Leukemia,  I was devastated.  Being the type of person that I am I couldn't sit by and do nothing so I immediately began to brain storm ways to help and decided that the best way to help and embody her lively personality was to host a color walk that would benefit her Chemotherapy treatment.  I had two weeks to plan the walk and I had so much support from my community.  I worked long hours every day and at times struggled to balance between planning the event and keeping up with the rigorous IB curriculum.  The result made it all so worth it.  500 people showed up to the walk and we were able to raise over $1,200.  I was beyond thrilled and touched by the support that my community had shown for me and Emme.  The event taught me so much about balancing and following through on my passions.  It truly taught me that I am capable of so much more than I had ever thought before.