"UNLESS someone cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."  (The Lorax, Dr. Seuss) Throughout our childhood, my parents instilled in my brother and me the values of compassion and the importance of lending a helping hand.  We practiced these values in our neighborhood, at church community events and through Scouting.  I grew up in Sayville, which is on the south shore of Long Island along the Great South Bay.  Living near the beach and being a stone's throw away from parks helped to develop my appreciation and love for nature.  My family's adventures and service projects in Girl Scouts provided many opportunities to be outside.  In addition to going to the beach, hiking or gardening, I love playing field hockey.  Field hockey is hands down my favorite sport, but I am also a huge ice hockey fan.  Let's go Rangers!

"A simple smile goes a long way."  Carrying out this simple phrase was the foundation for my desire to do volunteer service.  Spending my four years at Siena College shaped and nurtured my love for helping others, building meaningful relationships, and caring for the environment - all uniquely influenced by the Franciscan spirit.  Working in the Chaplain's Office and helping out with campus ministries gave me an outlet to help students embrace the Franciscan tradition, but also for me to grow personally and spiritually.  Joining the Franciscan Earth Corps at Siena was the final piece of the puzzle, which led me to choose FVM.  In our small group, we talked about environmental issues within the community, led service projects with teens, and discussed our own spirituality.  With the spirit of St. Francis in mind, we were able to inspire others to care for creation and spread the message beyond our community.  The joy I experienced from being a part of this group inspired me to want to continue our Franciscan Earth Corps mission elsewhere and continue growing in the Franciscan tradition.  FVM was the perfect choice because it encompasses all that I love to do: help others in need, inspire others to be stewards to the environment, build relationships with likeminded people, and be closer to God.  I hope to do all of these things during my year of service, as well as build upon them.  For one of my ministries, I would like to teach children about the beauty of the natural world, inspire them to appreciate and become stewards.  I look forward to trying new ministries and sharing my enthusiasm and passion with the children at St. Anthony's and every community member I encounter.  And of course, I hope to share my cheerful presence and offer that simple smile everyday to those who need it.