Ashley Koepping
Stevenson University![](https://compact.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/38259552_ashley.koepping1-516x917.jpeg)
Ashley Koepping, a junior nursing student at Stevenson University, has had a leadership role in community service on a local and national level for over 3 years. Ms. Koepping partners with numerous organizations and works incessantly with her peers to address genuine community needs in the Baltimore metro area and beyond. Ms. Koepping serves on Stevenson's Service-Learning Advisory Board and is President of the Student United Way. She encourages collaboration and motivates others to make a positive difference in the community and thus, is instrumental in expanding her club's outreach. Ms. Koepping is has also been involved with Mission: I'm Home since her freshman year and now serves as a trip leader. Through Mission: I'm Home, Ms. Koepping along with other Stevenson students, travel regularly to New Orleans and Staten Island to help rebuild homes that were destroyed after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Ms. Koepping incorporates the lessons and skills she learned through her six trips to these two communities into her daily life and continues to give back in any way she is able. Ms. Koepping represents Stevenson with professionalism, integrity, and excellence in civic engagement and donates countless hours to enrich the lives of others.
Personal Statement
For over the past three years, I have devoted my free time to helping my community, and have accumulated over 400 hours of service. Through my 6 trips with Mission I'm Home, our team has helped 8 families rebuild their lives and return to their homes. However, I have learned much more than how to rebuild houses. I learned the importance of going out of your comfort zone which makes you learn more about yourself and others, while cultivating lifelong skills. Skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management have been intertwined with my day-to-day life. Also, as President of the Student United Way, I have been able to donate my time, lead others in service, and impact countless lives. Events such as washing windows, playing kickball with kids, and distributing food have become a priority in my free time. I truly understand the importance of service and am honored to be considered for this award. I will continue to serve and take my passion of helping others into my future field of work.