Au Loni Hameen, a Cheltenham High School junior, was recently highlighted for the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology’s Community Service Month.
Hameen is in her first year of Eastern’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program, is CPR certified, and is a Girl Scout.
From Eastern’s announcement:
Au Loni became a Girl Scout at 6 years old. Over the years she has participated in many Girl Scout community service activities that have instilled in her a profound sense of volunteerism. One of her most impactful community service activities was feeding the homeless at a shelter in Philadelphia – which she did for four years on the day before Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas.
“I found that homeless does not always mean what people think it means. Many people who have fallen on challenging times simply cannot afford to live on their own anymore,” said Au Loni.
Her Girl Scout Troup also made bags of essentials for those staying at the shelters that included deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
“Growing up as a Girl Scout meant there was always something valuable to do,” said Au Loni. “These are experiences that have shaped me, and that I would quite possibly never would have experienced on my own. When I was younger, I thought I was doing these things for badges. As I got older, I saw that the badges were not the prize. Everything I was doing to get a badge – creating a business plan, doing community service, caring for an animal, etc. – was to make me a better person. I appreciate the Girl Scouts, their mission, and I am proud to be a Senior member.”
Au Loni noted that caring for people is something that runs in her family. Her grandmother worked in ER Management and in foster care. Au Loni’s mom currently provides care as a foster parent and works in a rehabilitation center. “Hearing their stories has always inspired me,” said Au Loni. “They are nurturing people who taught me the importance of helping others. Everything about the medical field intrigues me.”
Au Loni is currently looking at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Thomas Jefferson University, Clark Atlanta University, University of Pennsylvania, Florida A&M University, and Villanova University (her grandmother’s alma mater.) She plans to take Math and English at Arcadia this summer to get a head start on college. As a member of Cheltenham’s Cheer Team, she always plans to come back home on college breaks and help the coach. After college graduation, she plans to work as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
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Photo: Eastern