How do you want to leave your mark on Carolina? Whether you’re a freshman or about to face the reality of graduation, Christina Galardi is the perfect picture of someone who has done it all. With graduation approaching, Christina is exploring ways to help others by combining her public relations major and public health minor. She hopes to use her experience as a peer health educator for Healthy Carolina to further boost this goal.
“There is a way to use every major to serve others. You just have to explore the possibilities that are out there,” Christina says.
As president of Carolina Service Council, she encourages everyone on campus to use their talents to help the greater community.
Since her freshman year, Christina has been an active member of the Carolina community, using her passion for volunteering to gain leadership roles on campus. She joined Carolina Service Council during her freshman year and was inspired to become more involved after being touched by those she helped.
Christina has organized and assisted events on and off campus like the MLK Day of Service, in which 700 students participated, and the Columbia Buddy Walk, which benefits Family Connections of SC and special needs children. She also spearheaded the first MLK Day blood drive this year. She finds inspiration in those who give back.
“All the small details that are difficult to organize–student volunteers, transportation, fund-raising–fall away when I see the end result,” Christina says.
Most recently, she organized an event that encouraged Carolina students to donate their hair to Beautiful Lengths, which makes free wigs for cancer patients. The first Beautiful Lengths event was part of Carolina Beautiful Week and reflects Christina’s influence on USC.
“So many people participated, and I think it can be even bigger next year,” Christina says. “My biggest hope is that Beautiful Lengths will continue after I’ve graduated. It was amazing to celebrate all of those women for who they are and for their beauty that runs so much deeper than hair.”
Her passion for the Carolina community and giving back to those less fortunate led peers to name her the 2011 homecoming queen. Additionally, she was chosen as USC’s Outstanding Woman of the Year for 2012.
One may think all of these accomplishments would lead to an inflated ego, but Christina is the last person to boast.
“My goal is to inspire future student leaders. Showing students how they can improve our community means more than any award,” she says.
