Emma Woodruff ’18

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2018

Special Events, Service Trip Participant and Leader, and Middle School Mentors

What involvement did/do you have with MOVE? What program did/do you volunteer with and/or lead? What years?
Special Events, mentoring, service trips in various capacities from 2014-2018

What’s your MOVE story?
MOVE pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I was drawn to MOVE as a way to connect with the SMC community and make friends, but ultimately gained much more than I ever could have predicted. The relationships and memories I gained from MOVE opportunities still shape my life greatly today.

In what ways did/does MOVE impact you?
MOVE taught me to think outside of my “bubble” and to think deeply about the comforts and discomforts in life. Being a mentor was the most impactful part of my MOVE experience. The relationship I have with my mentee continues to this day and we chat as often as possible. I am looking forward to it being safe to go visit her up in Burlington again.

If you are an alumni, what influence does MOVE continue to have on your life today?
I am the friend, partner, teacher, and coach I am today because of the opportunities that MOVE offered me. MOVE helped me find my voice, gain time management skills, and understand the impact that a loving community has on a person. Even through the toughest and most stressful days of school, I always knew that I had a safe, loving space to call home in the MOVE office. As a teacher and coach, I strive to duplicate a similar kind of community.

Anything else you would like to add?
My experiences with MOVE were the highlight of my college experience. I learned more from MOVE opportunities than in any classroom or traditional academic space. To this day, Lara Scott has been the most impactful mentor I’ve ever had. Her kind, passionate, and loving energy helped me finally understand that I was both capable and competent. Even during the toughest of times, I always knew that I had a safe and caring person to connect with. Mentors matter. MOVE programming matters. MOVE impacted my life significantly.