BIOGRAPHY
*NOTE THAT THIS BIOGRAPHY WAS A PR INTENSIVE WRITING COURSE ASSIGNMENT AND IS NOT FOR A REAL ORGANIZATION
FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT, I HAD TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY ON MYSELF AND PERSUADE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. PEACE CORPS HIRING COMMITTEE THAT I WOULD BE A BENEFICIAL VOLUNTEER. ALL WORK IS IN AP STYLE.
Hayden Rivard is an individual with an unwavering passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others through her personal experiences, skills, and knowledge. Her journey, marked by a commitment to volunteer work, education, and international experiences, has prepared her for a meaningful and rewarding journey with Peace Corps. Her background and personal interests make her a perfect fit for the organization's mission to serve boldly and provide sustainable development in communities worldwide.
Rivard's dedication to volunteer work is evidence of her sincere desire to change the world. She has volunteered many hours to numerous philanthropic causes like ending sexual violence, providing food for those in need, as well as helping individual communities across the nation. A big part of her volunteer work includes fundraising for breast cancer education and research through her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Rivard has taken two leadership positions in the fundraising efforts, and last year, she helped her chapter raise over $131,000 for the cause.
She also has traveled the states with a group of her peers to do mission work. Her first trip was to a struggling community on the South Side of Chicago. There, she worked on building and fixing houses for a few different families, landscaped for someone who was unable to do it themselves, and even gathered the community together to motivate them to connect. She also did some work in Detroit, Michigan, but also got to focus on helping the children there.
Though she has extensive volunteer work, her initiative in starting her own business is what sets her apart. Rivard uses her experiences to create paintings that are sold to raise money for sexual assault survivors, domestic abuse survivors, and anyone facing any kind of violence. Having a tie to this cause through her own trauma further drives her life goal of making good for others out of bad situations. Her engagement to this cause demonstrates her sensitivity, tenacity, and dedication to social justice.
She started her business while also pursuing a bachelor's degree at Indiana University in journalism with a focus in public relations. Also, during this time, Rivard had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain and other European countries, which allowed her to immerse herself in new cultures while also practicing Spanish, her second language.
This recent six-month overseas stay, where she lived out of a single bag, demonstrates her readiness to embark on new experiences. Her ability to adapt and her love of travel were on display throughout her journey as she navigated new places. When living and working in foreign surroundings, her curiosity about new things in her ability to adapt are vital skills that Peace Corps may need.
Rivard’s professional journey, through her versatility of positions, has allowed her to work on her interpersonal communication and organizational skills. Her experience includes roles in customer service, managing client social media, and in sales, where she developed a deep understanding of human interactions and the importance of empathy.
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Rivard is an avid painter. Her love for art allows her to express her creativity and feelings while also using those talents to provide healing and support to those in need. Her artistic inclination and commitment to using her talents for a greater good, aligning closely with the values of the Peace Corps.
Overall, Rivard is a strong fit for this position because of her combination of academic success, global experiences, volunteer work, creative talent, and most importantly, her desire for helping others. With Rivard on the team, there's no stopping until everyone is cared for, including her team members.
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