The Great Book Society is a pilot virtual reading curriculum, reaching over 1,000 libraries nationwide. Designed to inspire a love for literature and critical engagement, the program connects students, educators, and librarians in a collaborative online format. This summer, we are excited to host a Zoom-based reading curriculum featuring student leaders presenting on selected works, educators and librarians offering specialized insights, and weekly independent reading projects to foster meaningful engagement. Additionally, weekend meetings for student leaders and educators will focus on literacy legislation, combining academic enrichment with actionable advocacy for equitable access to books and resources.

Attached to the program document are key resources that outline the society’s mission and vision, including the official About Page, which introduces the program’s goals and scope. Also included is the shared email sent to all participating libraries, detailing the curriculum and inviting collaboration, as well as the scaling plan, which outlines strategies for expanding the program’s reach in the coming years. These attachments provide a comprehensive overview of the society’s structure and long-term vision, reinforcing its commitment to education, collaboration, and advocacy.

Founded in 2024 alongside my classmate Sydney Batts ’25, EQUITY and ND Coffee are initiatives dedicated to advancing educational equity within and beyond the Philadelphia region. ND Coffee, our coffee-based nonprofit, serves as both a fundraiser and an advocacy platform, offering students the opportunity to purchase coffee while signing petitions related to educational equity. As part of the larger EQUITY project, ND Coffee currently supports Team Up Philly, an organization focused on empowering underserved youth through education and athletics.

EQUITY is working to expand its mission, collaborating with students across the United States to establish local fundraisers and partnerships with nonprofits in their own communities. We aim to assist these students in lobbying representatives and supporting one another’s legislative initiatives, creating a network of young advocates working toward meaningful policy change. Together, EQUITY and ND Coffee exemplify how grassroots efforts can combine advocacy and community engagement to address critical issues in education.

Over the summer of 2024, I dedicated over 250 hours of service to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, working in their dining hall and infirmaries. This experience was deeply meaningful, as it allowed me to contribute to the well-being of those who have devoted their lives to education and service. My great-aunt, a Sister of Mercy, served as a personal inspiration for this endeavor, instilling in me an appreciation for the values of selflessness and compassion embodied by religious communities.

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have a rich legacy rooted in their educational mission, striving to nurture minds and hearts through a philosophy of faith, service, and learning. Working alongside them not only reinforced my commitment to these values but also aligned with my own educational philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of equity, advocacy, and service as fundamental pillars of personal and societal growth.

This experience deepened my understanding of the transformative impact of education and service, inspiring me to carry forward the mission of the IHM sisters in my own endeavors. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or academic pursuits, I aim to integrate the lessons of faith and service into all aspects of my life, building a future that reflects these enduring principles.