Her work with the Special Olympics and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life has helped keep Elinski grounded, she says.
Georgia Elinski is a sophomore at Elon University from Exton, Pennsylvania. She is heavily involved with the Special Olympics program through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.
This program has inspired Elinski in many ways. The most prominent leading her to change her major from business to psychology with a minor in early childhood education.
Elinski became involved with the Special Olympics program during her first year at Elon. Her love for sports drew her to this service opportunity at the annual organization fair. When speaking about her involvement with the Special Olympics program, she repeatedly used the word “fun.”
Elinski explains that participating in the athletic activities, building a tight community and meeting new people have made the experience not just fun but unique. Elinski credits the community service she does for keeping her grounded.
“Life gets so busy with work and school and all the other social activities, it feels good to take an hour or two out of my week to focus on other people and to know that just me showing up for them means the world to them,” Elinski said.
Although Elinski’s service does a lot for her, she positively impacts the lives of many others.
“They have become my friends, and we need our weekly life updates so they can hear about my classes and my friends’ social lives, and I can hear about their school, work and family,” she said.
Elinski is not only a bright presence in the Special Olympics program but also in the Kernodle Center for Civic Life office where Elon Volunteers! lives. She has been described by many as a wonderful leader.
“Georgia is such an important part of our office and played a huge role in Elon hosting Spring Games last April. She led volunteer training, managed volunteers at the event, and did so much more. It’s been awesome working alongside her,” said Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life who oversees the Special Olympics program at Elon.