Alum Nicole Ferraro serves by being herself

Nicole Ferraro: second row, middle

"As a First yeaR Orientation Guide (FrOG), you have to be determined, personable, and excited for the experiences to come," junior Katie Dilley said. "You find most FrOGs are genuine people who have an interest in giving the first years the best experience at JMU that they can have."

2010 graduate Nicole Ferraro embodies this description in her optimism and her passion for life.

Ferraro was my frog as I entered my freshman year at JMU and one of the reasons why I am so involved on campus. Her service to both the university and the Harrisonburg community inspired me to become a more integral part of the two as well.

The summer before her senior year, Ferraro spent a month abroad in Ghana, Africa where she taught at Glona Academy - a “volunteer-run school for literacy and health advocacy for under-privileged children.“ The school had four class levels. Ferraro taught a class of students who weren’t educated enough to be placed in any of the four levels.

“There was a student who I met at this school who changed my entire outlook on life,” Ferraro said. “Her name was Hannah, and she was 12 years old.”

Hannah had no educational foundation – she didn’t even know the alphabet. Regardless of her lack of education, however, Hannah confided in Ferraro that her goal was to pass her exams so she could join her friends in class level two.

“It was no fault of anyone at the school, they were doing the best with what they had and weren't able to give her the special attention that she needed,” Ferraro said.

As Ferraro and the 25 other JMU students listened to their guest lecturer speak about changing the world and helping others that night, she kept thinking about Hannah and how she could help.

All Ferraro had to do was be herself. The ABC song had already been developed by someone else. She need not apply inspirational slogans or flashy titles.

“I didn't have to create anything, or start anything, or have it be "mine." I just had to give,” Ferraro said.

Hannah helped her appreciate service in its simplicity.

“She helped me to realize how I can use all that I've been blessed with to help people as I live my life each day. She helped me to see that need is everywhere; we certainly do not have to go looking for it. I am ready to live my life as a servant to our world while being aware of and excited about all that the world has to offer me. I have my Madison experience to thank for that!”

Ferraro believes that her goal in life is to do what makes her come alive. That’s what the world needs. It’s not what others ask of you, it’s what fills each individual with love and passion. It’s what helps us develop our identity through meaningful relationships, unique understanding and joy in what we do.

Currently Ferraro is living in Juneau, Alaska “serving through Americorps at an agency that works with early childhood development as the Preschool Health Promotion Coordinator.” She will be there for the next 11 months.

“I learned a ton about meaningful involvement and how to look past what organizations someone is a part of and instead look at the person they are and what they value.”

Photo Credits: Nicole Ferraro

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