Participating in Alternative Spring Break was her first introduction to service. Alex and her fellow volunteers spent four days at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, where families were staying in order to be near their child/loved one who was hospitalized at Valley Children’s Hospital

"Through this difficult time, we were able to help and make their lives easier by providing meals, doing chores around the house, doing arts and crafts with the children at the house, and even planning an Easter egg hunt and movie night," she said.

Alex learned that even through difficult times, looking for something positive can help families step away from their situation.

Her service was memorable because of one family in particular.

"I remember meeting one father who told me that he always took the extra step to get his children involved and bring a smile to their face, despite everything they were going through," Alex said.

See more.

Alex in foreground, second from corner.