Larissa Rymko

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“Three things have helped me over the years: support from others, a drive to do more, and a little bit of luck.”

  • Alumni of: 2012 Graduate Scholarship Program
  • Resides: Farmington Hills, MI
  • Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
  • Age: 23

Biography

Profile: Since graduating cum laude from Loyola University of Chicago in 2011, Young Scholar, turned College Scholar, now Graduate Scholar Larissa Rymko has been busy doing what she loves most: helping others. Larissa has been on the front lines with society’s most vulnerable populations. As a First Responder with First Step in Michigan, Larissa has worked with victims of intimate partner violence as well as sexual assault survivors.  As an advocate in First Step’s emergency shelter, Larissa provides support to incoming survivors, crisis intervention on a 24 hour hotline, and goes out into community agencies (such as hospitals and police stations) to further advocate for those experiencing recent trauma. She’s on her way now to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to earn a master’s degree in social work. 

Inspiration: Larissa said her aunt has been a deciding influence in her life. “A teacher by trade, she has always been there pushing me to try harder, go further, and to not accept living within my comfort zone. If something felt overwhelming, she always found a way to inspire me to overcome it. She helped me realize that self doubt is something meant to push you forward, not hold you back.”

Aspiration: Larissa’s goal is to become a social worker. “I have found that the clients I serve have the greatest impact on me. Watching people face crushing adversity (poverty, homelessness, persecution, hunger) and then come out the other end of it with a new hope for themselves and their children is what keeps me motivated to be a social worker.”
 
Making a Difference: While Larissa said her greatest achievement has been becoming a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, “I find that my work right now is also a source of great pride.” Her current position at First Step has her working with people who face eminent danger on a regular basis. “Working with these survivors, advocating on their behalves, and being there through some of the most traumatic events a person can experience, is unlike any other reward I've received. I am proud to be someone who helps bring about a much needed change in society's reaction to the victimization of others.”
 
Accolades: As an undergraduate, Larissa was named a “Loyola Scholar” as well as a National Collegiate Scholar. And she was “eight for eight” . . . eight semesters at Loyola and eight times on the Dean’s List.
 
Interesting Fact: Larissa’s “born to bake.” She loves baking. “I've recently started challenging my baking skills by attempting to whip up the more challenging desserts (like a dark chocolate soufflé).

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