As the President of Stockton’s She’s the First chapter, Larissa Scanlon is one very busy 19 year old! She is from Jackson, NJ and is a Nursing major at Stockton University with a double minor in Childhood Studies and Holistic Health. Larissa is currently a Sophomore and is set to graduate Stockton University in 2019.
Her organization, She’s the First, is dedicated to empowerment. “We sponsor girls in low income countries so that they receive a secondary education. Because of us underprivileged girls can get a diploma, go to college, put off marriage and childbirth, resist domestic violence and ultimately break the cycle of poverty,” Larissa said. “It’s amazing seeing girls help other girls.”
Larissa first found out about this awesome organization when she was applying to colleges. After choosing Stockton University and finding out that a chapter had not started at the school already, she took matters into her own hands.
“I made a decision that I wasn’t gonna wait around and that I could start a chapter for Stockton myself and here I am,” Larissa said.
Besides working with She’s the First, Larissa is a sales associate at Chicos and has worked as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. She is also involved at her local food pantry and church. Larissa remains dedicated of the Stockton community by writing for Her Campus and being an active member of the Nursing Club.
Her plans for the future are nothing short of extraordinary: “My plans for the future are to gain my RN, BSN and to go back to school to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I have always loved helping others and I am passionate about the well being of newborns. If I can help just one baby have a better future than all my hard work will be worth it,” Larissa said.
Some fun facts about Larissa are that she is obsessed with the royal family, she is an only child, she played Varsity tennis in high school, and she used to roller skate competitively. All of these activities and admirations prove her ability to be a leader and make a difference in the world.
Princess Diana is an icon that she idolizes dearly. “I think she embodied beauty and grace. She was a gentle humanitarian and loved everyone and did so much good for the world. Everyone loved her. She embodied everything I strive to be,” Larissa said.
As a natural born leader just as Princess Diana was, it makes Larissa the perfect fit to be the President of She’s the First. Larissa has some exciting events lined up for the organization, too! Some events that they are planning on doing include a Chipotle fundraiser, a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, a self beauty night, holiday parties, DIY events for members, and much more. She’s the First helps spread awareness about a great cause, while also having fun!
One of Larissa’s favorite quotes is: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” This quote perfectly describes how she intends to live her life.
(All images courtesy of Larissa Scanlon)