I love McDonald’s.I could eat it for every meal of the day and may or may not have done so in the past. I also am extremely offended by the movie Super-Size Me.This love doesn’t exist just because I’m a complete and total Hamburgular. I didn’t have a choice in the matter. My dad works for a company which globally supplies bread to several different restaurants with their biggest client being the McDonald Corporation. He has been given the nickname,  The Bun Man. Because of his passion for dough, unfortunately, I know more about buns than any 19 year old girl should.

My dad’s career choice meant more than a life-time supply of bread; it meant having personal relationships with the “meat guy,” the “condiment guy,” the “coffee guy” and most importantly, the “toy guy.” Please note, if you ever suddenly find yourself immersed in the McDonald’s industry, the choice to network with the toy guy, or even the choice to become the toy guy, is a fantastic one. There is nothing cooler than having access to every single McDonald’s toy display.
Since I got any beanie baby toy I wanted, like the pink bear, I felt like a total badass in the second grade. I also gained something much more valuable from these McDonald’s connections. Even before I was born, my dad had already served on the board of directors for The Ronald McDonald House Charities and his love for this philanthropy was adopted by everyone in my family.

In 1974, the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles player, Fred Hill, was diagnosed with leukemia. While she was being treated, he noticed the large number of families who spent countless nights sleeping on the floor of the hospital to stay close to their children. These families couldn’t afford a hotel room for the duration of their child’s treatment, so they resorted to uncomfortable and desperate measures to keep their family together. Later, Hill spoke to the Eagles’ general manager, Jim Murray, about how wonderful it would be if these people had a place to stay free of charge so families wouldn’t be separated. Murray wholeheartedly agreed and went to several businesses hoping to form a partnership that would jump-start a charity. Eventually, Murray found that partnership in Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a home away from home for families with children receiving serious medical treatment. The homes come equipped with private rooms, bathrooms and food for the families for as long as they need the resources. Families residing in the facilities are able to live for free, which is a blessing due to strenuous hospital and travel bills. Because of this amazing charity, families from all over the world are able to stay together and support the ill child who needs their loved ones close by during such a traumatic time.

I have been working at fundraising events for Ronald McDonald House Charities as well as visiting several of the houses to cook meals, clean and lend my support since I was born. This charity has taught me the value of health and more importantly, how lucky I am to have a family that wasn’t separated or struck by devastating circumstances. It has also taught me compassion and the value of making someone smile when they are facing their toughest trials in life.

I began my freshman year at the University of Illinois in August 2012 and made the life-altering decision to join a sorority. I was beyond thrilled when I discovered that Alpha Delta Pi’s national philanthropy was The Ronald McDonald House. I remember calling my parents and gushing about how there couldn’t be a more perfect house for me. I am beyond blessed to have found a group of women who place the same value in family and service that has been instilled in me.

When I discovered that RMHC offered several summer internships, I couldn’t believe my luck. I was excited to explore how I could use some of my academic experience to give back to the organization which had shaped so much of my character. I felt even more confident about my interview for the organization when I was told that an ADPi and a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumnae worked at the corporation. After a nerve-racking interview process, I am proud to say that this summer I will be a communications and marketing intern for the charity.

I have found that when looking for internships and jobs it is so important to first outline what specific qualities or features of a job are most important. This could be a person’s values, career goals or future dreams. Those lucky enough to have discovered a job which provides both professional and personal meaning have hit the employment jackpot.