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STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT, ROSE HOMOELLE

October 26, 2022

Rose Homoelle is a National Champion in the sport of synchronized swimming at The Ohio State University. She has been a student-athlete volunteer with 2nd & 7 for 3 years.

Rose first got involved with reading for 2nd & 7 through the synchronized swimming team at Ohio State; the synchronized swimming team has a long-standing positive relationship with 2nd & 7. At Rose’s first reading, she was nervous because she had never volunteered with children before and she didn’t know if the children would take to her well because they might not know what synchronized swimming was. But she was disproven! Each child was so excited to learn about her sport and it was an overall joyful experience.

Rose has had several impactful experiences when volunteering with 2nd & 7. Her most positive experience was when she was attending a reading and after the reading had wrapped up, one little girl peeled away from her line to return to her classroom to hug Rose. After that one little girl wanted a hug, it seemed like every other kid wanted also to receive a hug.

Rose’s favorite experience when reading for 2nd & 7 happened over the summer. There were much fewer volunteers able to attend this reading so Rose had to take on a whole classroom by herself. Each child was so excited to ask questions and so curious as to how college life worked and to learn more about the sport of synchronized swimming.

“Having this space to interact and connect with 2nd graders has sparked a new desire in me to inspire young kids, especially around their age. These kids ask such interesting questions and I can tell how easily influenced they are - they seem to be at an age where receiving encouragement and support is vital. It takes me back to when I was in 2nd grade and makes me think about those people in my life who encouraged me and pushed me to go after my dreams. 2nd & 7 has impacted me in such a way that I've realized how much I want to give back to kids the same encouragement that was given to me growing up.” -Rose Homoelle

2nd & 7 is so lucky to have Rose as a part of our huddle! She is currently a 4th-year student-athlete at The Ohio State University and 2nd & 7 wishes her the best of luck in her academic and athletic pursuits.

2nd & 7 Pairs Athlete Role Models with Second Graders to Prioritize Reading

August 23, 2022

https://www.worldreader.org/now/2nd-7-pairs-athlete-role-models-with-second-graders-to-prioritize-reading/

INTERNSHIP REFLECTION - ABI PONZIO

July 28, 2022

When I decided to intern for The 2nd and 7 Foundation, I was both excited and nervous. I never considered working for a nonprofit organization and was unsure how I would fit in with this organization. After completing my internship, I was pleasantly surprised by this enriching opportunity. I was struck by the idea of “paying it forward” because I grew up in a family of athletes. With this, I learned the importance of education being ahead of sports. I was happy to reiterate this to the young kids who view many student-athletes as heroes and leaders.