Swimmer and Cross Country Athlete Gives Back

Glendora, CA -- While many Citrus College students spend their weekend recuperating from the long week of school or working on homework assignments, one Citrus College student-athlete chose to spend her time away from campus in a different way. Sophomore swimmer and cross country runner Michelle Lopez spent her weekend last month donating her time, supplies, and some food to an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.

"It was actually my mom's idea. She's always wanted to go to an orphanage and give back," Lopez said. "My mom has a friend in the Tijuana community that is involved. So through her we were able to go and visit an orphanage and take some food and clothes."

It was Lopez's second trip to the orphanage this year, and it was an eye opening experience for the young student-athlete.

"It was a reality check for me. I've been Tijuana before, but I've never been to an orphanage. It saddens me that there's kids out there who don't have parents, whether that's because they aren't alive or because they are incapable of taking care of their kids," Lopez said. "It makes me feel blessed that I have my mom, and that she provides things for me that these kids don't have."

The trip was an educational experience that helped Lopez realize how tough some of these young children have it, and only made it that much more rewarding when she was able to make a connection with some of those same kids.

"A lot of the children don't like to get attached to people, because they don't know if they are going to see you again. They were grateful for the supplies and food we brought, but it was hard to make a connection with some of them because they don't want to be abandoned again," Lopez said.

"I did get to interact with some of the little girls, and it's extremely rewarding. They get the biggest smile in the world on their faces. It makes you feel good that you can make a difference in their lives by donating something you don't use anymore or spending just a little bit of time with them and making them feel special," Lopez said.

For Lopez the experience only created a desire in her to do more.

"There's going to be plenty of more trips. In the summer I want to spend at least a weekend there volunteering and helping out," Lopez. "I want to be able to help them out even more and expand it to other places there where I can try to make a difference."

If you are interested in donating any gently used clothes or supplies for Lopez's next trip, you can contact her at michellelopez15@gmail.com.