Patrick O'Malley

Growing up in a small town on the suburban North Shore of Massachusetts, I had a fairly typical American youth. My parents who are second-generation U.S. citizens have worked their entire lives to ensure that my childhood was healthier and less difficult than their own. They ascended from the modest roots of the cities of Lynn and Somerville an achieved their ways into college. Their impeccable work ethic is something that they have instilled in my siblings and I, but they have also made sure to remind us every day we are a small part of the greater human community, to which we owe everything that we have to offer.

I was first introduced to the concept of Philanthropic contributions to society as a young child when my parents took me to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. From that time on being actively involved in community improvement projects has played a large role in my life. I was fortunate to attend St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA for High School. As a Xaverian Brothers sponsored school, one of the primary extracurricular activities offered was the Campus Ministry Community Service Project. One of major Philanthropic projects that I took part in during my time at St. John’s was a Service trip to Grundy, Virginia, where along with 25 other students I worked to repair the homes of those suffering from socioeconomic difficulties during the February break of my junior year. The second was a program known as P.U.L.S.E. (Prep Urban Living Experience). During the week of my April break my senior year; I lived under the poverty line for six days with seven other students and three members of the school faculty. My experiences doing community service in High School were some of the most rewarding and formative of my life.

I have come to realize that giving back to the community and especially those who are less fortunate is a passion of mine. As a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity I have been fortunate to be able to continue to be actively involved in Philanthropic endeavors. As Community Service Chairman during the Spring 2013 Semester I was able to help direct the DKMS-Delete Blood Cancer Bone Marrow drive, which registered more that 2,500 new potential bone marrow donors and over the last three years has been responsible for saving 21 lives. In my future endeavors I hope to pursue a career in Financial Analysis, but also take advantage of all philanthropic opportunities that come my way.