Vogel shows commitment to service through activities

East Carolina University’s motto is Servire — “to serve,” signifying a commitment and desire to serve the larger community.

Katelyn Vogel, a junior health fitness specialist major, shows the utmost commitment to serving the community. Vogel exemplifies what it means to be not only a part of the Honors College but the larger community. Throughout her time as an honors student, Vogel has participated in many immersive activities that have worked to strengthen her commitment to service.

“I took ECU’s motto servire personally and never stopped,” Vogel said.

Through experiences such as Adopt-A-Highway, Beast Philanthropy of food distributions, and ECU’s H.A.B.I.T. Camp, Vogel has created strong ties to the community. The value of commitment to the community is one that was shown to her at a young age.

“My parents always pushed me to serve at my school church, or community event whenever available,” she said. “They are both Pirates and gave their passion for service to their kids.”

Vogel has found a way to expand this passion through the core values of the Honors College. The student and faculty connection inside the college creates an example of the power that a strong community can have. After moving two hours away from her hometown, Vogel sought and received this family-like environment she was seeking in the college — something that she hopes to share with other students and community members.

“The Honors College made it clear that they were here to help students get to their career goals. This is why I came to ECU and stayed here,” she said.

Vogel emphasized the importance of engaging with the activities that already are interesting to students. For her this meant showing up early to class, going to office hours, and simply being present. These seemingly simple gestures allowed her to build the impressive portfolio she has today.

“Every small connection will help you continue to build your portfolio,” she said. “Do not be afraid to ask questions. No one knows everything on their own nor can they become successful on their own.”

Vogel shared a specific service project through ECU’s Department of Physical Therapy has had a lasting impact on her.

“We incorporate games and fun activities to help motivate the kids to not realize that they are working towards an end goal. Seeing the improvement these kids make throughout the week keeps me encouraged and motivated,” she said.

The combination of passion and service shines through this project for Vogel. This is something that she advises every student to seek. She urges them to begin with activities that they already enjoy doing and provide service there.

In the future, Vogel hopes to share her love of group fitness with the larger community by facilitating free workout classes for Greenville residents. Although this is a daunting task, she knows that her passions will drive her to succeed.