Starting Out

I have decided to try out blogging as a way to show my work and progress as a 

Smile Train student ambassador. The reason that I originally got involved with Smile Train is 

that I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I am very fortunate to have been able to have 

received/be receiving proper and amazing care for my cleft. I am also familiar with the fact, 

however, that many children born in the developing world are unable to receive life-

changing cleft lip and/or palate reparative surgery. Since I was so lucky for my cleft lip and 

palate to only be the start of my story I want to be able to help other children born with clefts 

to be able to thrive to their full potential in life. When I was scrolling through Instagram this 

summer, I saw on Smile Train's account a post about an application to be an official Smile 

Train student ambassador. When I first read that post I knew that this was meant for me, 

because I have always wanted to help raise money and awareness for Smile Train in a 

bigger and more impactful way than just birthday fundraisers that I did when I was younger. 

So far, I have already talked to my school's volunteer club that ran as a Smile Train 

educational event and I am planning on holding at least two fundraising events in the near 

future. I plan on hosting a tie-dye party in early February and a jump the night away party (at 

a local trampoline park) at the end of February or at the beginning of March. Stay tuned 

because updates will be coming very soon on both events! So far I am loving the opportunity 

of being a Smile Train student ambassador. I am looking forward to going to New York in 

March for the student ambassador summit where we will explore the big apple, but more 

importantly go to Smile Train's headquarters to learn more about Smile Train and how it 

operates behind the scenes. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities that have come my 

way. I will keep this blog updated as more events and updates happen. I plan on posting my 

story of being born with a cleft lip and palate very soon, so keep an eye out for that! Thanks 

for reading and I hope you have an amazing day! Remember to spread love and joy 

wherever you go! 

Until next time,

Grace Murphy 

"Be the reason someone smiles today"