Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 31, 1995 TAG: 9507310117
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 17
School: Salem High School graduate, 1995
Year: Freshman, Longwood College
What she does: For four years, Brandi has volunteered at the City of Salem's ``Buddy Camp'' for special needs pre-schoolers. She and other high school students work one-on-one with the children, doing activities, taking them on field trips and helping in therapy sessions.
``I love handicapped children - they're so special,'' she said. ``They have the neatest thoughts.''
``Brandi is one of our star buddies,'' said Dr. Tommy Barber, director of the program. She has a wonderful gift as far as working with these young children and a tremendous nature to want to respond to them and their needs. She puts her whole heart into it.
``She is someone who has the ability to take those less fortunate where they are and patiently develop their skills.''
In her letter of nomination, Donna Powell, Reach Out Coordinator at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, wrote, ``Brandi's unusual compassion for others shows because she puts the welfare of others first. While watching her serve the less fortunate, it is obvious that she receives great joy and satisfaction giving to others.''
In response, Brandi said, ``I never really think about [putting the welfare of others first.] It's just the way I was brought up, to be considerate of other people's feelings. It feels really neat to know you've helped someone else.''
Brandi also volunteered with special needs children at a play center in Tennessee. ``I was inhibited a little at first. Some kids were grossly deformed, but their minds worked perfectly. One girl was hideous on the outside, neat on the inside. It's just neat to be able to see them on the inside.''
Brandi has also helped out at the Rescue Mission, playing with the children, and in the soup kitchen at RAM House. ``It was my first experience with homeless people and it was a shock,'' she said. ``I was scared at first - I stood in a corner. But then I realized they were people, too.''
She has assisted special-needs children during vacation Bible school and has volunteered in Lewis-Gale Hospital's occupational therapy department. After Buddy Camp, Brandi will volunteer at the Roanoke Memorial Rehabilitation Center.
School activities: Brandi was co-captain of the varsity cheerleaders this year, co-editor of the yearbook, class representative to the student government association for one year, junior class secretary, a member of the Junior Honor Association and vice president of the Keyettes, a service organization.
What she's learned: ``I've realized how much I take for granted, being able to walk and see and be normal. I boy I met was born with deformed hands. He can't do so many things.
``I was nervous at first, working with the children. I was afraid I wouldn't do the right thing or hurt them. You have to have patience and be gentle.
Future plans: Brandi plans to transfer from Longwood College into the Medical College of Virginia's occupational therapy degree program.
``I want to rush my four years of college and get out there and work with the kids,'' she said. ``Working with them will be more like play.''
Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and volunteering of their own choice. If part of a group, the teen must have initiated the activity.
Send in the teen's name, age, phone number, what they're doing, for how long, and how it has helped someone else. Include your name and phone number. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010
This twice-monthly column spotlights a teen-ager who is using his or her own initiative to make a difference in our neighborhoods, schools and communities. We think they deserve a public thank-you for helping other people. Nominations are sent in by our readers (see guidelines below).
by CNB