Media Contact: Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

Nov. 13, 2002 HANDS HELPS THOSE IN NEED WHILE ATTENDING UNIVERSITY Los Lunas native Andrea Hands is lending a helping hand to those in need while attending the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. A member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society since freshman year, Hands has ladled soup and collected food for those less fortunate and raised funds for Children's Hospital of New Mexico. Last year, as chapter president, she organized a successful toy drive during the holiday season. "I like to help others and there is also a social aspect to it - I meet people who have common concerns and interests. We have a lot of fun," Hands said. A 1998 graduate of Los Lunas High School, Hands secured an intern post at Sandia National Laboratories the summer before college. She remains employed with the labs' Pension Fund Department where she prepares quarterly and annual reports, charts plan assets and performance and performs other daily duties. Hands is majoring in health education and has completed most required courses. She is set to graduate in December 2003 and will apply to several medical schools. "I always wanted to be a doctor. I watched all the doctor shows on television when I was younger. I'm an ER fanatic and I love Crossing Jordan and Scrubs, too," she said. "If I decide to become a doctor, I will place a focus on prevention. It's just easier and better to prevent illness and unhealthy behaviors than it is for an individual to go through the stages of treatment," Hands added. At UNM, Hands also played clarinet as a member of the Marching Band and with Sound Pack, a group that performs before Lobo basketball games. She's also a Trailblazer with the UNM Alumni Association and Peer Health Educator and is involved with several other student organizations on campus. Andrea is the daughter of George and Sylvia Hands of Los Lunas and has two sisters, Annette and LeAnne. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
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