By Lauren McCollum

Most people who have fears don’t immerse themselves in them. However, senior Maggie Rechkemmer did just that with her fear of needles by deciding to be a gallon blood donor.

“I plan to go into nursing so I thought it was a good idea to get over my fear of needles somehow,” Rechkemmer said.

“I first decided to donate because of the gallon grad program,” Rechkemmer said. “You are given a cord at graduation if you donate a gallon of blood by your senior year. My goal before I graduate is to receive all of the cords that are available.” Getting each cord was not her only reason to start donating. During her sophomore year she had a big fear of needles, but since she started donating she has been able to overcome that fear and does just fine dealing with needles.

Rechkemmer said her favorite thing about donating is “knowing that I am helping someone out by doing something so simple as taking 10 minutes to donate blood to someone in need. It feels really good to help out, and get over my fear of needles.” Rechkemmer said her least favorite thing about donating is, “It hurts when the needle is not done correctly and can leave a nasty bruise on my arm, and if I do not eat enough before donating I get light headed and sometimes pass out. I have definitely learned my lesson after not eating enough the first couple times.”

Rechkemmer is very excited to continue donating whenever she is eligible, which is every other month.