It is an understatement to say Ohio Kappa Alyssa Vah was active on the University of Cincinnati (UC) campus. I am sure her resume showcases many notable accomplishments: Relay for Life planning committee, Cincinnati Dance Marathon Committee, Rally Cats and Pi Beta Phi Chapter President are just a few.
“My college activities helped professionally and have given me confidence to do my own thing,” says Alyssa. Among the vast list, there is one experience that stands out to me, as she has continued to participate in that organization — even after graduation.
As part of the UC Honors Program, a group went to Give Kids The World Village outside of Orlando, Florida to volunteer for a week. Alyssa spent time serving food to families, playing with kids on the playground and leading workshops in the horse ring. She immediately fell in love with the foundation and decided she wanted to continue to make an impact in the lives of young children.
Alyssa became a Wish Granter for Make A Wish ®. In this role, she is the liaison between the Wish Children and the office. It is the Wish Kid’s opportunity to decide his or her one true wish and Alyssa works with the organization staff to make it happen.
Alyssa recalls something special that happened with Wish Kid Wyatt, a four-year-old with a heart condition. Wyatt was non-verbal for the most part, but was able to make the signs for “Mickey Mouse’s house” by creating big ears on his head and the “house” symbol. Alyssa had the joy of granting Wyatt’s wish to go to Disneyland and says, “It’s all about them [we’re] all along for the ride.” But it did not end there.
Alyssa works as a nurse at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and happened to tell her co-workers about Wyatt. Alyssa’s nurse manager, who enjoys sewing projects, lead a group of the co-workers in creating a special gift for Wyatt: a Mickey Mouse blanket with arms just like Mickey’s. Alyssa was so excited by the sincerity of her co-workers providing this token for Wyatt. And Wyatt was equally thrilled as his mom sent photos of Wyatt with his blanket at Disneyland.
As one of Alyssa’s favorite quotes says, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” I am thankful to have spent time with Alyssa and feel the passion she has for being a Wish Granter.