childhood & college
Greg's civic and philanthropic experiences can be traced back to the first book he ever purchased with his own money (a children's biography of Harriet Tubman). The book inspired him to want to make a difference. A few weeks later, he signed up for a Read-a-Thon (raising funds to help fight a disease). Over the next few years, through the Read-a-Thon, he raised thousands of dollars. The inspiration he took from Harriet Tubman and others he read about, combined with his success raising money for others in the process, kickstarted a lifelong interest in volunteerism and philanthropy (and reading!). Throughout his high school years, he volunteered with local kids through a variety of youth centers, camps and athletic leagues. During his time in college, he became increasingly active. He volunteered at local schools off-campus, launched a program that brought his classmates into the community with him, volunteer taught former gang members trying to get their GEDs, interned on Capitol Hill and was appointed by the Dean to the position of Student Chairman of Community Service for the college he attended. His interest in the community also influenced his academic experience -- choosing classes like Civil Rights and writing papers on topics like Native American culture and heritage.
