Hi! My name is Sarah Klein! I am a first-generation college student from Hawthorne, Nevada. Growing up in such a small rural community has taught me some of my most important values to this day. Hawthorne has shown me the importance of community, hard work, and service. Now, I’ve moved to Reno, Nevada, where I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree in both Marketing and Management at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). College has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had the opportunity to go through. Since being here, I have learned so much about myself and my future. I currently work as an Event Programmer intern for the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), an opportunity I am so grateful to be a part of. It aligns perfectly with my career goals of becoming an event planner and my values of creating meaningful experiences for my community.
When I was 7, I went to my first wedding. My cousin’s wedding was held in a zoo! I remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever. It was a beautiful day that gave my family memories we still hold onto. That moment sparked my love for weddings and event planning. As I got older, I took on leadership positions in high school through student government and the National Honor Society, where I planned community-wide events. My passion for planning grew, and now I work for ASUN as an event programmer, helping plan and organize countless events for students on campus. My overall goal with my degree is to become an event planner, own a business, create an event planning website, and eventually open my nonprofit.
One of the most important parts of my life is volunteering. Giving back brings me genuine joy, and I love being able to support and connect with my community. Growing up in Hawthorne, where the population is 60% over the age of 65, I learned how essential community really is. My senior year of high school, I volunteered at my local Care and Share which is a vital resource for the older generation in Hawthorne. Through that experience, I learned how many senior citizens feel lonely and isolated as technology advances faster than they can keep up and as family and friends pass away. To help address this, I started a program called Adopt a Grandparent, where a young adult or teenager “adopts” a senior citizen and they share wisdom, hobbies, and advice. This program has truly impacted my life. I’ve met so many amazing people, and I hope I’ve made even a fraction of the impact on them that they’ve made on me.
My passion for service is also why I decided to go through formal recruitment and join a sorority. Joining Kappa Alpha Theta means so much to me. Being part of Theta has given me a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. Giving back and making a difference in the lives of others is something I truly value, and Theta gives me the opportunity to do just that. Our philanthropy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), trains and supports volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are navigating the foster care system. These advocates stand by the child in court, making sure their voice is heard and their best interests are represented. Being part of something bigger than myself fills me with joy and pride.
My volunteer work inspires one of my biggest long term dreams which is to start my own nonprofit organization that raises money to give local families the Christmas, Thanksgiving, and holidays of their dreams. I believe that everyone’s childhood should feel magical around the holidays since some of my fondest childhood memories were during holidays. I want to help make holidays special for children no matter what their family’s financial situation may be.
Creativity is an extremely important part of my life. Being able to express myself through art is something I have found to be therapeutic as I’ve grown up. I am definitely not a jack of all trades by any means but creating things is something I’m passionate about! I have learned how to do so many different craft related hobbies such as:
- Sewing
- Photography
- Baking
- Embroidery
- Floral Arranging
- CrochetWood Buring
- Watercolor Painting
- Cross Stitch
- Sculpting
Overall, I’m someone who leads with heart, purpose, and determination. I’m excited to continue growing through my college experience, my sorority, my volunteer work, and my career goals! All with the mission of creating joy, connection, and positive change in the world.
Thank you and have a wonderful day everyone!