The American Red Cross Salutes Rachel Laribee, for her work with the International School Chest Project, the Leadership Development Camp, and for creating Red Cross service-learning modules for Maryland schools.

ARC: How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn't know you?

I'm a talkative, Diet Coke drinker, and popcorn eater who can't seem to get the idea of service out of my head.  I have participated in several different sports, clubs, orchestras, plays and musicals, yet none of them have ever meant as much to me as service.  My biggest passion has been going around to schools motivating other students to try new service projects.  If someone was to ask me what I have done that I am most proud of, it would be my work in AmeriCorps last year.  Nothing that I have done in my life has felt better then taking a year off to focus on doing service.  I loved it so much, that I now know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.  And I can be proud of that. 

ARC: Where do you go to work or school?

Last year, I was the Volunteer Maryland Coordinator for the Board of Education in Anne Arundel County.  Now I am a very happy student at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

ARC: How long have you been involved with the Red Cross? What has been your role?

My service with the Red Cross began two years ago, when I ran a Red Cross blood drive at South River High School in Anne Arundel County.  I continued working with the Red Cross when I did my year of service in AmeriCorps.  I worked with the Youth Services Department to promote the "Maryland Chests to Kenya" in area middle and high schools.  This past summer I was a camp counselor for the first Red Cross Leadership Development Camp in Maryland.  I also had an internship with the Youth Services department to develop future service-learning projects with the Red Cross in Maryland schools.

ARC: Has service with the Red Cross changed you in any way?

My view of service has been changed due to my involvement with the Red Cross.  I have always believed in the power of service at the community level.  I have seen schools, neighbors, and cities come together to improve the world in which they live.  But until I came to the Red Cross, I have never seen a world-wide connection to service.  I used to believe that it couldn't be done:  that people in Baltimore and Annapolis couldn't change the lives of students an ocean away.  I am so happy that the Red Cross proved me wrong.  This last year, I have seen Maryland students glow with excitement with the fact that they were reaching out to students their age in Kenya.  I was able to see students in Maryland effect students in Kenya and that was a beautiful sight. 

The Red Cross taught me that the world is not as big and separated as I once thought.  Kenya may be a whole ocean away, yet they are so much closer in our thoughts and memories.

ARC: What are your future plans?

My future plans involve going into government politics to lobby for non-profit organizations and national service programs.

ARC: What is your favorite quote or life motto?  

"The day we cease to make a contribution is the day we begin to die." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt