Philanthropic Studies
My first semester as a Philanthropy student posing with the IUPUI Jaguar
What is Philanthropic Studies?
If you don't know by now, after reading this you will know what I have been studying for the last 4 years.
Philanthropy is defined as "goodwill to fellow members of the human race especially: active effort to promote human welfare" according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Being able to study at the only school in the world dedicated to the teaching and understanding of philanthropy has brought me so many valuable life skills. Graduating with a degree in philanthropic studies I will be skilled in the theoretical and practical application of philanthropy in relation to topics such as history, ethics, social science, and civil society. The courses that I have been given the pleasure of taking have prepared me for a career in the nonprofit sector for fundraising and development, volunteer engagement, stewardship, etc. Throughout my undergrad, I have also been able to strengthen my emotional intelligence, cultural competency, problem-solving, and communication.
This school has taught me that absolutely anyone can be a philanthropist, no matter who or what you are. If you are passionate about something, make that change and do something about it.
Why Philanthropic Studies?
Flashback to the Spring of 2018, I thought that the only way that I could help people who needed it was through the medical field. I thought that I was going to be a nurse and that I was going to save the lives of helpless people. Shortly after my first semester at IUPUI started, I thought that my dreams were crushed when I realized I could not be a nurse.
The positive outcome of this tough situation was that I was in the right place at the right time. I chose the perfect university for a strong passion of mine that I did not know existed, and the philanthropy school was where I belonged and where I could find my family.
Being at such a unique school has brought me so many opportunities and has shown me that I have a place in this sector no matter what my passion is. I have been able to explore many different aspects of the sector, explore potential careers, learn many different fundraising skills, make connections within the sector, and solidify that I made the perfect choice.
Me at the 2019 Power of Children Awards
Click here to learn more about the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and what they have to offer.