When I arrived at Middlebury College in the fall of 2022, I never thought that I would run a half marathon, organize a fundraising soccer tournament or raise over $3,500 in just three weeks for a humanitarian organization that is over 4,000 miles away. However, that is exactly what I am doing because some causes are personal, and some moments demand more than thought: they demand action. Please consider helping us reach our $10,000 fundraising goal by May by attending our upcoming soccer tournament (details coming soon) and donating to the GoFundMe.
This is why I am running the 2025 Royal Bank of Canada Brooklyn Half Marathon and organizing an on-campus soccer tournament open to all students, faculty and staff to raise money for the Red Cross of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RCFBiH). All proceeds from these events will go directly towards my fundraiser, where they will support emergency response efforts, disaster relief and essential health services in one of the most historically war-torn regions in Europe. By being the first member of the Bosnian diaspora to ever launch a fundraising campaign for the RCFBiH, this campaign is highly significant to our community abroad.
Now you might ask, “Hey Alem, why are you doing this?” The short answer to that question is that I am a Bosnian American and that my parents were refugees of the Bosnian War, where they were forced to flee the only home they had ever known and come to the United States in the 1990s. My parents’ resilience shaped me and developed my interest to help my community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though the country is far away, the history remains rooted in my family’s story and in my identity.
I am also initiating this campaign because Bosnia still experiences the scars of war and constantly faces humanitarian challenges. The RCFBiH always shows up to meet those challenges head-on. I formed my campaign out of a belief that identity can and should be a powerful engine for change.
But why should Middlebury care? Our community should be invested in this campaign as this isn’t just about Bosnia and Herzegovina: it is about what change can be made when a student is able to take a personal initiative and transform it into something purposeful. This campaign models youth activism that engages communities. Middlebury preaches being citizens of the world, fighting for social justice and turning theories into practice. This campaign embodies these characteristics, and the traction we have seen so far demonstrates that values discussed in classrooms can truly inspire real changes.
The core motivation behind my fundraising campaign isn’t just monetary but also involves emotional and cross-cultural influences. It’s building momentum here on our campus, social media and within news outlets across the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. If you would be interested in following this campaign, follow my journey on Instagram (@alemm.mh). You will be able to see updates on my half marathon training, tournament details and behind-the-scenes content that show how one student is able to make a difference in the lives of others.
The on-campus soccer tournament symbolizes my initiative. The beautiful game actively unites people across Bosnia and Herzegovina. By bringing together Middlebury students, staff and faculty around this event, we can replicate this spirit of solidarity from Bosnia and Herzegovina here in Vermont. The tournament is open to all, regardless of experience and is meant to bring our community together for a great cause. Snacks and drinks will be provided courtesy of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and its Mini-Grant program. Participants will pay a registration fee, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the organization to help serve people in need. Just like soccer, this is a team effort, and every bit of support counts.
Being the first to do something is truly an honor — but I don’t want to be the last. I hope that this campaign can inspire other students at Middlebury to take initiatives they care about and say, “I can make change, too.” Regardless of your background and identity, there is space for your voice and a need for your action. This campaign shows that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to do meaningful work. You can start now.
This fundraiser revolves around turning identity into impact. It is about showing how big change starts small, which in this case is with a half marathon, a soccer match and a GoFundMe link. I’m asking the Middlebury community to care. We should care about Bosnia and Herzegovina, about using our stories as strength, and to show up, donate or spread the word for important initiatives started by students.
