Josh Riley (junior)
I have been a part of the Empower Orphans club at PSU from its very first informational meeting, two years ago, as of this upcoming March. I have seen this club grow from just an idea among students hoping to make the world and community a little brighter. I served as the Community Chair in EO PSU’s first year of existence, a year of many late night meetings, laughs, and a myriad of lessons learned. Now, as I near the end of my term as the second Executive Director of Empower Orphans PSU, I’d like to thank Neha and everyone else who has been a part of the formation and growth of this student organization. This experience has meant more to me than words can express. The memories I have made will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Next year, I will not be a member of the executive board, but I will be playing a role I have not yet gotten to experience. I will still be at the EO general meetings, but as a member who’s Tuesday nights just wouldn’t seem right without committee breakout sessions and end-of-meeting inspiration. This club serves as an opportunity to give back to my community and further fuels my passion for helping others.
Please, get involved with something you believe is good. It takes ordinary people, like me and like you, to change the world around us. As long as there is passion and a person willing to act on it, there is hope to make this world a better place. You do not have to be perfect to be a leader. Anyone who has attended any of our club’s meetings will know that I can barely speak without mispronounced words and endless digressions. However, the honor in service is that a person with imperfections can strive to be a part of a more perfect world.
It has been an honor to serve as the Executive Director of Empower Orphans PSU, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this special organization. Thank you.