After setting out on a national search to identify young women, ages 18-24, who are giving back to their communities and who embody the confidence and reliability of a real-life “It Girl,” Ortho Women’s Health & Urology has announced the second winner of the 2009 “It Girl Essentials” contest (in the health category).

After graduating from New York University with a degree in Applied Psychology, the latest “It Girl,” Kerry Allison, wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do next – after much thought, what she chose was something you don’t hear about every day. Kerry joined AmeriCorps *VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and became chief coordinator for the Friendly Visiting program – a program that matches volunteers with homebound seniors.

“While you can be physically healthy, if you go days without seeing or speaking to a single person, how psychologically well can you really be?” said Kerry. “Given that psychological and physical health is so clearly linked, it makes sense to work towards improved mental health, and providing someone with a friend is one way to do that.”

Kerry’s favorite part of her job is listening and learning from her client’s priceless stories – from their experience fighting in World War II to lessons learned during the Great Depression.

“I know working with senior citizens isn’t the most glamorous way to give back, but I’ve found that by helping those who need it most, I am learning so much about myself in the process – things I would never really think about if I was just hanging out with people my own age.” said Kerry.

So what’s this “It Girl” thing about anyway?

Today’s real life “It Girls” have a million things going on in their lives – school, friends, family, a job, causes to support and texts to return. “It Girls” are always ahead of the curve, and when it comes to making a difference, these everyday superstars are making an impression on the world – each in her own unique way.

The “It Girl Essentials” contest was created to highlight women, ages 18-24, who are giving back in three social responsibility-related categories: green/sustainability, health and the arts. Although the green/sustainability and health rounds are now closed (check out the winners on www.itgirlessentials.com), entries to the arts category are now being accepted. Have you started your own theatre group for underprivileged children or arts therapy program for seniors? If so, “It Girl” wants to hear about it.

Winners of the contest will win a $500 donation to a charity of their choice and will be featured on the “It Girl Essentials” Web site and Facebook and MySpace pages.

Visit www.itgirlessentials.com to enter the contest and to read the full contest rules.

And don't forget to stop by our new Music Education Page for some cool ideas on how you can do something around the arts!