::: community :::

Volunteering within an organization should also lead to volunteering "with out" the organization, in order to maintain a balance in our lives and expectations. Community organizations help us to maintain that balance, as well as to keep a focus on the multiplicity of life. Often, these community activities help us to extend our research interests in a more practical and applicable manner. I have been fortunate and blessed to have been able to travel and live in many and varied communities. In those places I learned that it was important to continue to be "a part of" the community, and not "apart from" the community. I try to share me, giving back to the community as I was taught when I was young.

• Life member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Michigan State Liaison, Central Region, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Alumnae Member, Gamma Psi Sigma Chapter, Saginaw, Michigan, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Member, Graduate Student Council, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
• Member, HuGrad, Humanities Department Graduate Student Organization, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
• Volunteer, Omega House mission, Houghton, Michigan
• Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), Chattanooga, Tennessee
  Foster parent, Department of Family and Children's Services, Chattanooga, Tennessee
• GED Mathematics tutor, READ (Reading Education for Adult Development), Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Big Sister, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Chattanooga, Tennessee
• K-6th after school tutoring program coordinator, Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, Tennessee

As a big sister, I learned how important it was to share and care for my community, for I know that whether our children succeed or not is in our hands. I will continue to share the things I know, the things I learn, and the things I experience with others. Sharing within the community reminds us how to live in the community.