Chicago Volunteer Spotlight: Riley Hopkins & Allie Bucon!

Riley Hopkins & Allie Bucon are two Community Service Scholars from DePaul University who have been sharing their compassion and talents with the Chicago studio for several years!  Let’s take a moment to get to know them a little better: How di   How did you get involved with the Arts of Life?Allie:   The Arts of Life immediately appealed to me because I wanted more experience working with individuals with disabilities.Riley:  I chose to come to The Arts of Life as I’d heard great things about it,  so I knew it was the right place for me! What is your background, like school or art practice?Allie:   I’m currently a Junior at DePaul University, studying Special Education with a minor in Community Service Studies.Riley:  I’m also a Junior at DePaul University.  I’m double majoring in Communications and Media/Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Community Service Studies.How long have you been involved with The Arts of Life?Both:  We’ve both been coming since our freshmen year in college, so this is our third year at the studio!What are some of your favorite aspects of volunteering at the Arts of Life?Allie:   I love volunteering for so many reasons! It has been amazing to look at all the progress each of the artists in the studio have made over the course of my years here.  It’s incredibly rewarding to work on helping the artists achieve both personal and artistic goals! There hasn’t been a time that I’ve come into the studio without a warm welcome from everyone at the studio.  This organization has a powerful mission and I truly see that each day at the studio. Riley:  Since I have been volunteering here for so long, I feel like I have built strong bonds with the artists.  When I see them happy or excited, it makes me happy! Each of them have really influenced me in the way I live my life along with my outlook on life.  Watching them grow has been very special for me. What do you like to do outside of volunteering?Allie:   Aside from volunteering, I really value my relationships with my family and friends.  I’m very into fitness as well and am currently working towards becoming a certified personal trainer! I’m also a member of a sorority at DePaul University called Omega, and have the role of marketing director.Riley:  My relationships are very important to me, so I like to spend a lot of time with my family and friends.  I also like to explore the city, travel, and attend school.  I have a leadership role in my sorority, Delta Zeta.  Being creative through photography and art is also another interest of mine. Thanks so much to Riley and Allie for consistently bringing their positivity and compassion to our studio! We wish them the bets of luck in the rest of their time with the Arts of Life and beyond!

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