A PIECE OF MADI'S STORY
Today's blog is on a girl who needs no introduction. Madi is a junior at Bowling Green State University and sister of Alpha Omicron Pi, studying inclusive early childhood education (a perfect fit!). You don't need to know Madi to see that she's a fun loving girl, and we're happy to have her in the blog-- Thanks and welcome, Madi!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University in the adorable college town that is Bowling Green, Ohio. I’m in the Inclusive Early Childhood Program, and I love every second of it. I’m currently student teaching at a local preschool. I’m actively involved in many organizations on campus including Dance Marathon at Bowling Green State University and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. When not on campus, I love to be home with my family in Mentor, Ohio.
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION AND HOW DO YOU LIVE IT OUT?
My passion is to help other people. I love to make people smile. I believe that if I can put a smile on one persons face or make one friends day better I am being successful. I live out this passion by working hard to make others around me happy. I love to go on mission trips to help others. I have been on mission trips to many places including Maine, Alabama, and Africa. I enjoy serving the community around me at home as well. I have been able to live my passions through my involvement with both Dance Marathon and Alpha Omicron Pi as well. Alpha Omicron Pi raises money for our philanthropy each year, Juvenile Arthritis Research. Dance Marathon raises money year long for Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. The funds go towards everything such as treatments, games for children who are stuck in a hospital room all summer, hippothearapy, and counseling for parents and family members. These organizations give me an outlet to live out my passions and work to make a difference in the lives of others everyday.
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME AND DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?
Honestly, when I have free time my favorite things to do are eat delicious food, watch Netflix, and sleep. I love to nap. Everyone teases me because if I’m ever missing I’m almost always in my bed. I also love to spend time with my friends and family. I also have an adorable pet hedgehog named Harper who brings me so much joy.
I really wish I had some super cool talents to put here but I really don’t. I love to be at the beach or basically doing anything outdoors. I also love to procrastinate learning to play the guitar, someday I’ll learn… I love to travel and see new places.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND/OR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My role model is probably my mom, (cheesy right?!) But in all honestly she’s always kind of just been my person. I can go to her whenever. I love the time I spend with her. Whenever I’m home in the summer we just sit there for hours talking, whether it’s late at night and I’m sitting at the foot of her bed, or its first thing in the morning and we’re enjoying coffee on our side porch. I know a lot of college students don’t call their parents much; I call mine all the time. I will be forever thankful for the support that they have always given me.
My biggest inspiration is my little sister Gabby, (I know, once again, cheesy right?!) She is absolutely the sweetest individual I’ve ever met and she doesn’t even realize it. She has such a calming spirit around her and would do anything for anyone. If I could be half the person she is, I’d be a lucky girl.
PEOPLE HAVE DESCRIBED YOU AS FUN-LOVING. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS? AND DO YOU AGREE?
Well, I love to have fun honestly! Each person I meet is a new potential friend and I treat him or her as such! I will basically do anything to make someone laugh or smile. I love to meet new people and I definitely don’t have a personality that is quiet or reserved at all. Basically, I’m great at getting into people’s personal bubbles and making them have fun!
Absolutely! I do love to have fun!
HOW DO YOU SHOWCASE YOUR FUN-LOVING PERSONALITY?
Recently, for Dance Marathon I got the opportunity to attend one of our mini marathons, which is basically a fundraiser where high school students raise money for Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo. For the event I got to spend about 45 minutes in Mercy’s mascot costume Hugs the Hippo. To some, putting on a sweaty hippo costume probably wouldn’t sound like much fun but for me it was an absolute blast! I got to hop around and play with children at the event dancing to linedance songs and taking photos with children. Even though I was all sweaty and tired, they couldn’t tell at all because I kept my spirit high and was having just as much fun as they were with Hugs the Hippo. The only sad part was when I finally took off the costume and realized now none of the children I had been playing with for the last 45 minutes knew who I was (☺)
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE FIELD YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN?
I think I found myself in the field I am currently in because of the passionate and caring teachers I had at Hopkins Elementary School in Mentor, Ohio. The teachers I had there impacted me so greatly that I wanted to be just like them! I also genuinely want to make this world a better place for each and every child, so if I can start with my future students that would be fantastic!
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF USING YOUR FUN-LOVING PERSONALITY IN YOUR FUTURE CAREER?
I believe that if you go into work hating what you do, those around you will catch on. So, each time I set foot into a classroom I always make sure that I’m smiling and ready for my day so that the students will follow and enjoy school as well. I want to create an open classroom in the future where each student can feel comfortable and supported to grow and achieve to the best of their abilities. Children are unique, and I hope to give them the space and assistance to grow and thrive in their school setting.
ASIDE FROM BEING FUN-LOVING, WHAT ARE THREE OTHER PERSONALITY TRAITS THAT DESCRIBE YOU? AND WHY?
Outgoing: I believe I’m very outgoing and approachable since I can talk to anyone about anything!
Passionate: I really feel strongly about so many things. I often bring my emotions into my work to show how much I care.
Driven: Once I start something, I have to finish it. As simple as that.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE YOU WANTED TO SEND TO THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
That people are good. I feel like there is a lot of negativity in the world right now. We need to remember that there is still so much to be happy about. I believe in seeing the best in everyone and giving each person the benefit of the doubt.
Check out more Madi below!
Contact info: mlyoung@bgsu.edu
Since Madi's involvement in Dance Marathon at BGSU, she now raises money for Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo to help and spread that same hope to others. If you would like to read more about her fundraising efforts or this cause click here!