As a sophomore, Chelsea Desrochers ’13 enrolled in a course that explored issues of culture, poverty, social development, and social justice, and culminated in a service trip to the Dominican Republic. “Seeing the poverty and the lack of education and resources was shocking,” she says, noting that it was also life-changing. “I started planning the rest of my education and future around what I experienced and learned.”

In the spring, Chelsea and other students raised money for a summer service trip to Nicaragua by doing yard work in the community. This fall, she will begin working toward her master’s degree in public health, with the goal of improving the quality of life
and health for others.

Chelsea says that the scholarships and financial support she received from PSU and Annual Fund donors were critical to her transformation from student to humanitarian. “Thank you for believing in students like me.”

Help PSU provide challenging educational experiences and life-changing opportunities for students by making your Annual Fund gift today.

Jon Gilbert Fox photo

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