“Instead of measuring my success by GPA or class rank, I measure my success by my experiences and my involvement in the world,” says Paige Jones. “It’s about who I am as a human being, not a human doer.” Photo: Wayne Armstrong
First-year student Paige Jones has a passion for helping others. Through her humanitarian work, Jones is a leader making a positive impact in the University community and around the globe.
A Broomfield, Colo., native, Jones was drawn to the University because of its small size and academic programs. The deciding moment came when she was accepted into the Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP). She hasn’t yet decided on her major, but she already is involved in an array of community-service activities.
Through PLP, Jones volunteers on a regular basis at the Gold Crown Foundation, an organization that provides afterschool opportunities for youth to expand their technological and cultural knowledge.
Jones also is an executive board member of DU’s chapter of GlobeMed, an organization working toward global health equality to improve the lives of those living in poverty around the world. As co-campaign coordinator for the chapter, Jones oversees all fundraising and awareness efforts throughout the academic year. This summer, she and six other University of Denver students will travel to Cambodia to implement sustainable chicken coops for families affected by HIV and AIDS.
Jones’ leadership and hard work with GlobeMed have been recognized by 9News, the local NBC affiliate station, which awarded her the November 2012 “9Who Care” award.
Jones remains humble about her achievements, saying, “Instead of measuring my success by GPA or class rank, I measure my success by my experiences and my involvement in the world. It’s about who I am as a human being, not a human doer.”
Outside the University, Jones is on the programming board for the Colorado Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar, where she helps plan speakers, activities and service projects for the three- to four-day summer seminar for high school students. After graduation, she hopes to travel abroad and start her own nonprofit organization.
“Leadership is about the confidence to create your own vision, the courage to pursue the change and the bravery to ask for help,” Jones says. “I believe that making a difference in the lives of the people around you is just as easy — or as hard — as you make it. Even on the days that are challenging, remember that at the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate.”