Elaine Krebs’ rowing season won’t start until late March, but very little has held her back from making a splash in the community.
When she arrived at USC three years ago, Krebs brought a passion for volunteering in the local neighborhood. Logging 43 hours of outreach this year, she sits in the top three of all USC student-athletes for total service hours.
“I have loved volunteering for as long as I remember,” said Krebs. “I was raised in an active Catholic family. My sister and I were constantly reminded how much we were blessed, and how we should share those blessings with others.”
During February, Krebs served as an athlete ambassador at the Heritage Hall re-opening and hosted children with physical disabilities for a tour of the McKay Center.
Krebs’ fervor for the community has become contagious. Last December, she led her team to the Community Bowl at 32nd Street School. More recently, she spearheaded their involvement with SCORE Initiative partner RowLA, a youth rowing club aimed at empowering girls from underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
In addition to team-based events, Krebs has worked diligently on her own personal volunteer projects, taking advantage of unique gifts to create positive social change.
Last fall, she worked closely with the Hope Street Family Center, teaching English classes through USC’s Joint Educational Project. She also volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific as a tour guide and translator. During the holiday season, she wrapped gifts that had been donated to Adopt-a-Family on campus.
“I know that God has given me many talents, only one of which is athleticism,” said Krebs. “I am also blessed with a passion for science and confidence in speaking, so I volunteer in order to make use of as many of my talents as I can.”
This spring, despite the demands of rowing’s competitive season, Krebs plans to remain involved with the California Science Center, working 5-7 hours each week as an exhibit host.
Source: http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/comm-outreach/spec-rel/030414aab.html
