I nearly wince when anyone asks me what I’m going to school for. It is not because I don’t love what I do or that I'm not excited for my future, I wince because I know how their reaction will be. Whether it is asking me, “So what are you going to do with that?” or sarcastically asking, “So you’re going to be rich?” When I ramble off that I am majoring in communications studies and minoring in nonprofit strategies and operations, everyone raises an eyebrow.

No, I’m not going to college to be an engineer, doctor or therapist. Yes, I not only know, but accept, the fact that I won’t be filthy rich in my field. I want to work in the program and outreach department of a nonprofit organization. I strive to have a life that is meaningful, helpful and enjoyable. Sure, my story may be different if I didn’t get queasy and numb at the thought of something in anatomy, but regardless, I want to make an impact in others’ lives. My life goal isn’t to be filthy rich; my goal is to make a difference.

The first organization I was exposed to in my life was American Cancer Society. In my school district every year, each school participated in Walk for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. I saw the walk as a fun, end-of-school-year event since it is held every May. On the day of the event, the local radio station 104.7 KCLD arrived in their van and set up their music amps in the school’s fields. In the fields the gym teachers arranged cones and made a general walking track in the grass. Throughout the school day, each grade would come outside for an hour to walk around the track. We would jam out to the music and have fun walking with our friends. It was a carefree, exciting environment.

When I was an elementary and middle school student, the meaning of the event had little significance to me; It wasn’t until my junior year in high school that the event suddenly meant the world to me. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, these walks in school became a symbol of her fight. Now, into my college career, I continue to have significance with American Cancer Society in a similar event called Relay for Life. It is an all-night event that includes walking the track, a luminary ceremony and activities. Being a part of these American Cancer Society events, I feel that I am a part of not only my mom’s battle against cancer but am connected in a community of so many others who have experienced the same pain and tragedy that the disease brings.

Another nonprofit organization that I learned about was Make-A-Wish Foundation by a Wish Kid himself. In high school I worked at a swim school as a front desk receptionist. There was nothing fun or glamorous about my duties of cleaning the locker rooms and making swim lesson registrations. However, one little boy and his sister always made my day. They would scooch over their lobby chairs to my front desk to chat with me and color me pictures. We would laugh and enjoy our time together as I worked and as they patiently waited for their turn to swim.

One day, the family greeted me as they entered the swim school like usual, and the little boy ran up to me bouncing and excitedly exclaimed, “Guess what?” He burst out telling me his family was going to Denmark to visit Legoland. His mom turned to him and kindly asked him to explain why he is going. It was then that he told me he was able to get his wish from Make-A-Wish. My heart immediately broke. I had no idea that this sweet little boy I had fallen in love with was going through a life-threatening medical condition. At the same time I was ecstatic for him and his family to take such an amazing trip together. After this moment at the swim school, I researched more about Make-A-Wish Foundation and fell in love with their mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. I had the opportunity later to have be a Wish Intern and work with the Wish Coordinator with Wish Kids’ itineraries, which was the most rewarding experience.

After my encounters and opportunities with American Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation, I found that I love event planning and programming, and being a part of a nonprofit organization. I enjoy the detail and office work that goes into creating an unforgettable event. I realized that this is the work I would love to do, whether or not I was paid to do it. To be a part of something so incredibly rewarding and make a difference in the world would be worth waking up for every morning. Why not do what I love, help others and be paid at the same time? My life goal is to make a difference and be happy. The next time you ask me what I am going to school for, be open-minded and know that I am proud and excited to not be filthy rich.