SAM RANCE-People Against Rape (PAR)

Giving Time to Help Rape Victims

By Clara MacMillan

Sam Rance at work in the PAR office.

When first meeting Sam I noticed how committed she is to all of her work. She is very impressive working two jobs, going to school, working on her bachelor's essay, and volunteering for one overnight shift a month.  She is so dedicated to school that she is graduating a semester early.  Not only is she dedicated to school but she also likes to help other people.  While working for PAR (People Against Rape) she has talked to people who have just been raped or people that were raped in the past and are having a hard time.


About Sam Rance...
Hometown: Andover, Mass
Major: Psychology
Graduation: December 2011

Volunteer Activities: People Against Rape (PAR)- I have been working with them for over a year.


What do you enjoy most about community service:  Doing something that is completely for another person, something that is selfless.  With this organization it is just about helping another person because it is anonymous.  There is no credit to be given to anyone.  Its a pure motivation.


What are you most proud of contributing to your organization:  Just another pair of hands.  Everyone I work with is extremely caring and passionate. In a city you don't realize how important this resource is.Most memorable volunteer experience:  I once had to go to the ER at 6 a.m. when I had to work at 9.  The female cop working on the case didn't believe that the girl was raped.  Later I was walking on campus and the girls step dad stopped and asked me for advice because the law enforcement still didn't believe the girl and she was having a really hard time.

How have you personally benefited from volunteering: I am a psychology major and want to counsel people so this is good experience.  It helps me not to be ignorant about rape, it is important to know how common it is. 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering:  I would tell them that my biggest hesitation was work but you can always make the time to volunteer.

How do you think your friends and family would describe you:  Strong, driven, compassionate, hard working, and very open.

What are your plans after graduation:  Potentially get  my doctorate in clinical psychology and work with eating disorder patients. For more information about People Against Rape visit http://www.peopleaganistrape.org/