As summer break comes to an end, we're all trying to squeeze in every last bit of summer we can! Hailey Gatin's knows all about summer fun, especially when she's at Camp Kesem. Checkout what Camp Kesem is all about!
What is your major and year in school? I am a health promotions major (Pre PA), with a Spanish minor. Fun fact - I studied abroad in Cadiz, Spain all summer!
What is your favorite Athens restaurant? Hands down, Taqueria del Sol is the best place in Athens!
What is your favorite thing about Alpha Chi? There's true love, genuine friendship, and unmistakable joy that radiates from 1064 South Lumpkin Street. Alpha Chi is a place where every girl is not only accepted as her own, but is praised and celebrated for every unique quality. It's in great confidence, that when I say the friends I made in Alpha Chi Omega are forever kind of friends.
What organization are you involved in and what position do you hold? I am the development Coordinator for Camp Kesem! Camp Kesem is a free summer camp for kids, ages 6-16, affected by a parent's cancer.
What does your position do? As Development Coordinator, I work to create a fundraising plan for our chapter, as well as organize on and off campus events. I'm responsible for making connections with our donors, and collaborating with our counselors to ensure they are on track with their fundraising to ensure that no child ever has to pay for camp.
Why did you chose Camp Kesem? After hearing about Camp Kesem from an older Alpha Chi, I could tell this organization was something incredibly special. I knew that with Camp Kesem I could have the opportunity to really give back to some of the most deserving kids. Camp Kesem gives me the opportunity to be silly and be a kid for a week, all while hearing the inspiring and courageous stories of the amazing kids. From the very beginning, these kids have changed my life more than I ever could have imagined.
What is your favorite thing about Camp Kesem? Camp Kesem has shown me what true joy looks like. My campers have continuously shown me that joy is a choice made every single day. To some people, cancer proves to be a thief of joy, but not to these kids. The kids have shown me that nothing, no one, not even cancer, can steal the choice of joy. I am constantly humbled and inspired by these kids, and because of my campers, I strive to be the person I am at camp every single day.