Amit Patel (junior)
Hello, my name is Amit Patel and I am junior at Penn State. I am studying Supply Chain & Information Systems and Global & International Studies. Both of my parents grew up in villages in rural parts of India and left their entire lives in to come to America in pursuit of one day starting a family and a better life. I have been blessed to have an amazing childhood, a great brother, two parents that love me, and tons of friends I consider family. When I was in elementary school my parents took me to India so I could gain a better understanding of where I came from. Education in India is not free and it is viewed as privilege for many, I still remember how shocked I was when I saw how eager students were about going to school every day. On the other hand, my friends and were doing everything from praying to wearing our pajamas inside out in hopes of a snow day for no school the next day. Ever since then I have strived to appreciate everything that I have and one day find a way to help those less fortunate than I am.
When I first got to Penn State, I knew I wanted to be more than just a student and searched for a way to make a difference with my time here. I read an article about Neha Gupta and her inspirational story about Empower Orphans. The key takeaway I had was the Ripple Effect, one small act of kindness will ripple out and cause another. Neha began donating toys to orphanages at the age of 9 and that really inspired me to think I don’t need to wait one day to make a difference I can start helping others TODAY!
This weekend I will be a dancer for another amazing organization I have joined at Penn State, Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). THON is a yearlong effort to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer that culminates into a 46 hour no-sitting no-sleeping dance marathon. THON is run entirely by students with the students accounting for all fundraising, security, and even entertainment. I would like to encourage you to find whatever cause you are passionate about and begin to make a difference no matter how big or small. It doesn’t matter if you donate money, toys, or your time any kind action will ripple out and cause another.