This column highlights the young people in our community who are making a difference with their creativity, passion, and leadership. 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a global non-profit organization that grants life-changing wishes to children from ages 2 to 18. Since 2021, Aleksandra Gavrilovic ‘26 has been volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she helps organize and participate in events such as Walk for Wishes and Wings for Wishes.

Her favorite event is Wits for Wishes, which is a spin on a traditional trivia night where you bring your friends, create a team, and engage in friendly competition. Donations given to participate in the event are put towards improving treatment, reducing emergency room visits, or helping a child’s lifelong dream come true. Gavrilovic shared some insight on working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, stating, “I chose to work with Make-A-Wish in an effort to give back to children who deserve to see their dreams come true, no matter the situation they are in. With dreams to work in the medical field one day, Make-A-Wish has only fueled my genuine passion for people and care in a place where face-to-face connections are often overlooked.” 

Since 2024, Gavrilovic has been the leader of the Pine Crest Chapter of Make-A-Wish, which has now amassed over 15 members. Gavrilovic hopes to inform all students about the Make-A-Wish mission, where volunteer opportunities extend beyond service hours and into understanding others by making their dreams come true. 

Gavrilovic said, “I hope that people can see other people’s perspectives in life and learn to put themselves in others’ shoes. With Make-A-Wish, I want to redefine resilience so you see and understand what kids with all kinds of illnesses go through.” 

As Gavrilovic has interacted with hundreds of kids with different illnesses, she hopes to bring compassion and empathy to all endeavors by spreading the mission of Make-A-Wish through community events, participation, and continuing to be a leader in her communities.