Service-Learning VIP: Rachael

 

I am Rachael Todd, Miss Florida 2009 and service learning has shaped me into the person I am today. Throughout my entire life my family has taught me that giving of your time to others is the greatest gift you can give. It wasn't until I was a sophomore in college that I became officially introduced to service-learning in my English class. I attended the University of Central Florida's dance marathon, a stand on your feet for 24 hour event to raise money and awareness of Children's Miracle Network. Before I realized that making a difference is what I wanted to do with my life, I felt as though I was just going through the motions. I was always kind to others, and helped my friends and family when they needed me but never did I stop to look outside myself, truly putting others before me. As my eyes were opened up to such a bigger purpose for my life, I realized that I will never be the same because of service learning and for that I am so very thankful.

When I graduated from college in May of 2009, I was the volunteer coordinator for The HOPE Foundation, a mentor on UCF campus, a volunteer for EPIC Youth Group at UCUMC, a Hurricane Katrina disaster-relief volunteer, and I became Miss Florida 2009 in July. It is because of the outlook on life that volunteering gave me that I won the title. I have no doubt in my mind that had I not gained those experiences, I would not be in this position. Now as Miss Florida I have the ability to reach so many people, encourage them to do the same and to truly change my world for the rest of my life.

I have proposed a challenge statewide to the students of Florida to find their passions, act on those passions and tell the Miss Florida Organization about it. The Miss Florida Organization and I will review the accomplishments and ideas, and I will then visit several schools to recognize Millennials who are making the biggest positive impacts. I am Miss Florida 2009 and I am a product of service learning.

- Rachael Todd, Miss Florida 2009