GUEST POST: MRU students Branch Out, out, and away!

It may not look like it out there, but spring has sprung, meaning that the winter semester at Mount Royal is coming to a close. While the end of another stressful semester brings much anticipated relief, it also means our time with Branch Out is nearing its end.This experience has been exciting, rewarding and educational for the four of us. From the moment we found out that we would be working with the foundation, we couldn’t wait to embrace such an inspirational cause and contribute whatever we could to help the foundation “branch out” even further!

The opportunities we have had to connect with some incredible people and share their stories has definitely given us some bragging rights in class (really though, who else can say that they chatted with athletes who have been to the OLYMPICS?). We have learned so much about perseverance and passion from the people we have spoken to, not to mention the Branch Out team. Oh, and how can we forget Berger, our new furry little friend and Branch Out’s unofficial mascot!

We’d like to take a quick moment and reflect on our individual experiences:

Liz – Working with Branch Out and having the opportunity to contribute to this important cause has been both a rewarding and fun experience. Ever since being introduced to the world of Branch Out, we have learned so much about not only its cause, but also about the passionate people who contribute to it each year. My team members and I often say that we are so lucky to be able to work with such a great organization this semester and we hope that our work was as fun to read as it was to write!

Kelsey – As a self-proclaimed “crazy dog lady,” the highlight of this experience was having the opportunity to introduce Berger to the masses. Neurological disorders are more common than I ever realized, impacting even our four-legged friends! I am so glad we had the opportunity to work with Branch Out. It is such a vibrant and fun organization that truly reflects how passion and drive can help you accomplish anything you want.

Kurtis – This experience with Branch Out over the past semester has been both fun and challenging. As communication students, we are currently learning how to tackle new and exciting tasks, and Branch Out has definitely given us the chance to add to our ever-growing list of experience. I admire how Crystal and the rest of the Branch Out team strives for the foundation to have a young, fun and energetic outlook when it comes to neurological disorders. It is truly inspiring to watch its success grow right in front of our eyes, and I wish Branch Out all the best in the future.

Shae – Working with Branch Out over the course of the semester has been a great experience. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with such an inspiring, fresh and fun organization. I never realized how common neurological disorders were, so getting to learn more about complementary and alternative forms of treatment has provided me with a lot of great insight. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the last few months of working with Branch Out has been invaluable. I want to thank Crystal and her team for being so passionate and dedicated to such a great cause!

In closing, thank you Crystal and the rest of the Branch Out team for letting us take over your blog, Twitter and Facebook. And thank you Branch Out friends and family for embracing us! Our neurons will be forever grateful for the things we have learned this semester!