Chains & Shoutouts

Chains. College dudes wear them around their necks, bicycles use them for power transmissions, and fences are made up of them to keep the dogs inside the yard. No matter what a chain is used for though, it functions the same way: many small parts are linked together, creating something longer and stronger than each individual part.

Chains can be made of people too, like assembly lines. We employ this definition of a chain when Uplift packs bags for the school we partner with: each person is assigned a food item, book, or activity, and bags are passed down the line, person by person, until they’re filled up with all the necessary items.

Recently, though, I’ve begun to realize the importance of a chain in a new way. This semester has been extraordinarily busy. I’m taking biochemistry, physics, persuasive communication, and medical ethics, doing research, working at the hospital, running Uplift, and am a student ambassador in the College of Public Health. (And, not to mention planning everyone’s 21st birthday and figuring out when I’m going to take the MCAT). And don’t get me wrong—I love everything that I’m doing, even though my days are sometimes spread a little thin and responsibilities never seem to wane.

My business, though, has caused me to rely greatly on the people around me, the people in my chain, and that’s not something I’m especially fond of. I value my independence and ability to accomplish tasks solo, but the truth is, I can’t do it all on my own. Aesop once wrote, “In union there is strength.” So, I guess as an ode to teamwork (and chains), here are some shoutouts to people that make Uplift what it is.

Eva (Co-President): Your willingness to jump in wherever needed, do the dirty work, and be productive are what make you someone I’d want to work with any day. Uplift most definitely would not be where it is without you, and I’m proud to not only call you my co-president and co-founder, but also my friend.

Jack (Vice President): Your can-do attitude and ability to be a jack of all trades are essential, and you run the GroupMe and send out post-meeting emails like no other. Your creativity makes for some pretty fun bonding activities, and we’re so lucky to have someone who makes our members feel so welcome.

Megan (Social Media Chair): Truth be told, our Instagram would be ugly without you. Not only are you always on top of posting meeting schedules and events, but your eye for design, from our website to our merch, makes our branding something special.

John (Operations Chair): Your humor and candor make you one of a kind. I appreciate your willingness to be flexible, and we’d never be able to function without you and your truck (even though you park far away from the elevator in the Union garage).

Casey (Member Outreach Chair): Your ability to connect to and relate to others is something special. I’ll never forget when you jumped up and down with a girl at the involvement fair, saying “Come to our meeting tonight! Come to our meeting tonight!” I know you’re going to make a wonderful impact on the world wherever you go after graduation.

Nick (Treasurer): I hate audits, and I’m so glad you can do them. Aside from that though, you always seem to be cracking a joke, and the tote bag you painted for me will live in my room forever (although it may never see the outside world again). We’re so grateful for you and your ability to change roles from year to year.

If you haven’t figured it out already, I have some pretty incredible people on my team. We all bring something a little different to the table, but that’s what makes us work.

If you’d like to support us this upcoming school year, Venmo payments can be sent to @Sarah-Weglarz-2, or checks can be mailed to:

Uplift Youth Volunteers

2095 Ohio Union, 1739 N High St

Columbus, OH 43210

We are so thankful for all the support we’ve received from our family and friends so far, and know that we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of you.

Sincerely,

Sarah Weglarz

Co-President/Co-Founder