Why I Give
Rachel Sukeforth '07
I give to HWS because it helps me feel connected to something that made a lasting impression on my life.
As I write this, five of my college girlfriends and I are going back and forth trying to schedule a get together over a Zoom call to catch up. It's been heartwarming to be able to see, albeit digitally, people who have known me for the last 15 years or so. Those chats are encouraging and grounding.
I graduated just before the economy tanked the last time in 2008. It was difficult to find a job that would pay rent, my student loan debt and leave enough left over to live. I know many people who are bitter about their own college experience and who are not engaged with their colleges at all. For my generation, it is easy to feel like college education and college networks aren’t able to live up to their end of the bargain. I don't want that to be me. I'm proud of my alma mater. I'm proud of my degree. I'm thankful for the education I received and the friends I made along the way. Since those early years, I have found a decent job and I have gotten used to the student loan payment every month. I remember the happy moments from my life at HWS. My gift is a monetary embodiment of that appreciation.
While I was at HWS, there was a strong emphasis on community engagement, volunteerism, and a connection to the greater world. I've dabbled in various ways over the years with what giving back means to me. The current iteration of this is working on the Maine CDC's Contact Tracing Team. My day job is data management for the Maine Radon Program, but I stepped in on a temporary basis this spring to lend a hand while Maine set up its Contact Tracing program. It was so fulfilling to help curb the spread of COVID19 in my community.
I truly am delighted to give in any way I can to HWS.