FINALIST - 2007

Amanda Lalley “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.” These words from Helen Keller have become a mantra through which I have sought and seek to live my life. Whether I am one on an athletic team, in volunteering, or in activism, I am an integral part of each, no matter how large or small my contribution is. While involved in various activities, it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, we must keep Keller’s words in mind: I do not expect to do everything, but I do expect myself to do something. I cannot allow myself to stand on the sidelines and not be involved in the community or with global issues. The Lafayette ideal engages with the surrounding environment rather than standing by idly. The lessons of determination, persistence, and dedication that I learned through athletics have given me the drive and desire to be involved. In the future, I will continue to engage in social and political issues by entering into non profit work with refugees after two years of service in the Peace Corps. Refugees are often the product of political, social, religious, and/or economic conflicts that are difficult to understand. It is easy to say the problems are too large to solve; even the UN or other world leaders may be unable to fix them. Rather than giving up, I hope to provide assistance to refugees in any way possible. While it is impossible to “do everything,” my contribution, while it may be minute, adds to the goal of alleviating issues associated with refugees. I believe the Lafayette ideal embraces the concept that while I may be only one person, I can and will make a difference.

 

Majors: International Affairs and Africana Studies


Academic Activities

• Phi Beta Kappa (4)
• Sigma Iota Rho (IA honors society) (3,4)
• Dean’s List (1,2,3,4)
• EXCEL research with Professor Shankar (4)
• Patriot League Academic Honor Roll (1,2,3,4)
• Silver Medal Athletic Honor Roll (1,2,3,)
• Gold Medal Athletic Honor Roll (4)
• Truman Scholar Finalist (3)
• James Bryant ’40 Award (3)
• Africana Studies Scholastic Award (4)

Campus Activities

• Student Interview committee, Gov/Law dept (4)
• Brown Bag presentation-Darfur (4)
• Dance for Darfur committee (4)
• Organized Brown Bag, UN women’s rights treaty (3)
• Student panelist on outside fellowships and scholarships (3)
• Volunteer Mentor, Lunch Buddies

Community Service

• Volunteer, Tutor Adopt a Class (3,4)
• Volunteer, Tutor Boys and Girls Club (2)
• Guest Reader, Read Across America (2)
• MS Walk (3)
• St. Jude Radio-a-thon (4)
• Hurricane Katrina fundraiser (3)
• Volunteer, YMCA dinner fundraiser (3)
• Volunteer Mentor, Lunch Buddies (2)
• YMCA Youth Health Day (2)

Athletics

• Cross Country (1,2,3,4)
• Indoor Track (1,2,3,4)
• Outdoor Track (1,2,3,4)
• Cross Country captain (4)
• Indoor/Outdoor Track captain (4)

Special Interest

• Delta Delta Delta (2,3,4)
• Delta Delta Delta Academic Chair (3,4)
• International Affairs Club, Vice President (4)
• Amnetsy International, Vice President (3,4)
• Newman Association, Public Relations (2)
• Student-Athlete Advisory Commitee (2,3,4)
• Student-Athlete Advisory Committe VP, Pres (3,4)
• Lafayette Representative to the Patriot League (3,4)