Student Profile in Service
Student profile of the month...
Ryan Fitzpatrick 
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Class of 2008
Home town: Langhorne, PA
Major: International AffairsService Role-Model:
The truth is my service role models are the leaders I was so privileged to work with planning and executing ASB New Orleans 2008. Patrick, Jess, Laura, Rob, Collin, and Sasha, I love you guys, and its you all who inspired me to do service and who taught me the meaning of service-learning.
Service History:
First year:
None
Second year: None
Third year: ASB New Orleans participant.
Fourth year: ASB New Orleans trip leader.
Inspirational GW Service Moment:
This is probably my saddest service moment as well, but it really had a profound impact on me. My first spring break in New Orleans, March 2007, we went to the lower 9th ward in New Orleans, right where the levees broke the hurricane, and the place looked like an atomic bomb had hit it. It was completely devoid of life, with houses untouched since Katrina; you could walk inside if you held your hand over your mouth and see pictures still on the wall, kids' toys on the floor, in one case a boat on a roof. We took the group back one year later for ASB 2008, and I was stunned. Not by any changes to the scene, but the complete lack thereof. It was a moment frozen in time, the lower 9th remained untouched, where everyone could see it. It was a national embarrassment, and summed up the problem of New Orleans in general; it was being neglected and allowed to deteriorate in plain sight. The condition of the lower 9th ward inspired me to volunteer with AmeriCorps, so I could physically participate in bringing this city back.
Funniest GW Service Moment:
Skit night at Camp Hope during ASB.Making 92 people act in impromptu sketches we devised the night before was hilarious.
Important Lesson Learned from Service:
The concept of service-learning. Through service you are visibly giving your time and energy to help the unfortunate, but the intangible reward you receive from doing so equals, if not outweighs, the gift. The lessons learned through service are invaluable, and are carried with you for your entire life, whether it be a new skill like construction, or perspective on a different way of life. Through service I've been able to truly see the connections between all of us as people, whether it be the student at GW, the volunteer supervisor at the site, or the hurricane victim you are trying to help. The relationships are all reciprocal, and truly makes us all brothers and sisters, and reveals the good and decent side of human nature.
Plans for Service Beyond GW:
Well, right now, I'm currently volunteering with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity through the AmeriCorps program, which entails 1700 of service over 11 mos. as a construction supervisor. I started in August 2008 and will be there till July 2009. Afterwards, I hope to find a nonprofit to work for overseas, potentially in Latin America.Previous Profiles
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