It all began with a blackboard Carolyn’s father made for her when she was a child.
While her friends were enamored with dolls and cars, Carolyn most enjoyed spending her time scribbling on her blackboard in front of an imaginary classroom. When her classmates began dreaming of becoming astronauts or firefighters, Carolyn nurtured her dream of becoming a teacher and helping children.
This dream was realized in many ways in the coming years. As a teacher, chalk in hand just like Carolyn always imagined. As a reading specialist for Orange County Schools. As a consultant for the NC Department of Public Education. As a volunteer at the children’s hospital. And now as a Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle volunteer.
In 2018, Carolyn found RMHC through the Junior Women’s Club, driven by the desire to give back to her community. “I wanted to give back to the community that had served me,” she explained.
Starting as a Wednesday morning front desk volunteer at the Chapel Hill House, she soon felt drawn to extend her support to the UNC Family room within the hospital.
“I feel more connected with the families here now that I volunteer at the hospital too,” Carolyn shared. Whether she is walking a child to the toy room to brighten up their day or listening to a caregiver after a long day at the hospital, Carolyn consistently serves our families with boundless joy.
As you watch her love on our guest families, you can almost see a glimpse of the little girl who spent countless hours drawing on the blackboard her father made, dreaming about one day having the chance to make a difference in children’s lives.
