Grace Student Kim Buskirk Completes American Red Cross Internship

Kim Buskirk, a senior All-American cross country runner and national qualifier for the track and field team, has returned from her extensive two week leadership training in Washington D.C. with the American Red Cross' internship program. Kim was chosen as one of the select few out of a couple hundred student-athlete applicants from both the NAIA and NCCAA. Throughout the week Kim experienced a lot of what Washington D.C. has to offer, even shadowing some daily work being done in the nation's capitol building. When asked what her favorite part of her two weeks was though, Kim was quick to point to some of the great leaders she heard from.

"The coolest/best part about the experience was being able to learn from top leaders across the board, including Gail McGovern who is the CEO/President of American Red Cross," said Kim.

Kim displayed how excited she was to implement the leadership skills she has learned on campus and on the cross country and track and field teams this upcoming year.

"I plan to really step up and be a leader, not just by example, but by being an outward leader for the teams. I hope to be a positive energizing leader who focuses on respect, serving others, and being dependable/approachable for my teams."

Grace Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Gerry Verwey reiterated that Kim will be called upon to take her leadership role to the next level as a junior in 2018.

"Kim has always been a leader by example for our cross country and track teams. Her experience this summer in D.C. has really empowered her to become a more verbal leader, fully invested in what our mission is. I believe we will see her leadership spread beyond our teams to across the whole campus, as well."

One of the main initiatives for student leaders in the American Red Cross program is to plan and implement at least two blood drives on their campus throughout the year. The work has already started for Kim, as she is already planning the first drive at Grace for students, staff, and the surrounding community this upcoming fall.