Lea Troutman

Service has not only allowed me to directly benefit my community, but has been the catalyst in creating many of the personal connections which I appreciate the most. The summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered alongside a number of other Latin Engineering students in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of 114,000 Covid shields for hospital staff, school children, and faculty in the Charlotte-Metro area. While our ages ranged greatly, the desire to contribute to the ongoing crisis relief shared by all of us working on the project as well as our shared interest in digital fabrication quickly lead to new found friendships and community. From our countless hours spent watching the laser cutter to our cross-campus golfcart delivery runs, service has been fundamental in the creation of many of my favorite memories, as well as in the connections which exist behind them.