Stephanie Cerna has been busy volunteering her time to those who need it most. 

Throughout the fall 2016 semester, she has volunteered at three service events through Kean University and last year received the President's Volunteer Service Award after accumulating over 100 service hours. 

A junior cell and molecular biology major projected to graduate in the spring of 2018, Cerna maintains a busy schedule, but she prioritizes her time so she can contribute to helping others. 

Cerna balances her job as a part-time swimming instructor, her commute to and from school, her classes and the several clubs she is involved in. She is involved in the Biology Club, the Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Association, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Tri-Beta National Biological Society.

"My career aspiration is to become a doctor, and my life aspiration is to have a secure and stable life," said Cerna. 

She is inspired to never give up by the people she has encountered throughout her life.  

"My friends, my coworkers, motivational speakers and even coming across strangers that appeared once in my life...they have battled their own obstacles to become successful," said Cerna.

Outside of Kean University, Cerna volunteers at Trinitas Hospital and for the American Red Cross, but her favorite volunteer event thus far was the Alternative Spring Break with the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS). 

"I volunteer because I learn a lot from the experience," Cerna added. "You discover skills and qualities that can change your own view of self-worth." 

In the future, Cerna would like to volunteer anywhere outside of the country. 

She has a very positive attitude toward volunteering and has a reassuring message for anyone interested in volunteering, whether that be at Kean University or in their local communities. 

"Never second guess yourself about volunteering," Cerna said. "Although it seems like it is free service or that you feel like you are wasting your time, you're not. Because the benefits you receive from your presence being there at that very moment are worthwhile."

Her volunteering experience at Kean University has been a memorable one thus far. She began volunteering as a Cougar Volunteer two years ago. Since then, she has met a lot of students through her volunteering experiences. 

"To this day, a majority of these students are now my friends and this experience has improved my overall life as a college student," Cerna said.  

A service specialist for the CLS, Kimalee Nichol-Ford has a positive impression of Cerna. 

"I believe there is a major difference between a volunteer and someone who provides community service," Ford said. "Stephanie provided her community with her services at each project, being punctual to events and consistently working her hardest."

Stephanie Cerna can definitely be described as a giver, which is proven by her passion for helping others.