As the newest intern in Communications at the American Red Cross, I’d like to introduce myself and tell you why I couldn’t pass up such a great opportunity. I’m Emma Naclerio, a junior at UAlbany, double-majoring in Communications and English.

My first assignment is so interesting! I’ll be focusing on the Sound the Alarm, Save a Life program. I get the chance to work with Red Cross volunteers to install free smoke alarms in Eastern New York and have a direct impact on other people’s lives.

In researching my assignment, I found that nationwide, home fires claim seven lives every day. But having a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of death by half. Half. Imagine something so simple as a working smoke alarm could save half of these families from unbearable grief and loss.

Being part of Sound the Alarm, Save a Life is giving me a sense of purpose. I believe in kindness, a major theme shared by the Red Cross, and installing smoke alarms is an act of kindness that is so easy to do and can have such an immediate impact. I want to be the person who makes a difference.

I was inspired to take on this service to the community by my father, a police officer in Suffolk County, where I’m from. He has spent every day of his 20-year career helping others. This goal was instilled in me at an early age, and I am blessed to have such a vital role model in my life. The Red Cross is giving me the opportunity to help others in a very special way. Who doesn’t want to help “Save a Life?”