When the Young Give Back to the Younger
Written By Asia Howe
Video filmed and edited by reporter, Asia Howe.
“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” — Unknown
Americans have over fifty different slang words for money, one being “skrilla” (Nichol). So much emphasis is placed on earning in our society that another equally important verb often drops from our lexicon, giving. While the concept of volunteer work does not always receive the attention it should, we must realize its ability to imbue us with satisfaction, bring us closer to others, and allow us to view the world in a whole new way. Below, one University of Hawaii at Hilo student shares her experience as an individual who does not only earn, but gives.
Nichole Chaffin, a Natural Sciences major from Waikoloa, assists various youth groups. “Tuesday nights,” she explains, “I volunteer for the Hilo Younglife group for high schoolers, Wednesday afternoons, I volunteer at Waiakea Intermediate School for Wyldlife, the school ministry, and Wednesday nights I go out to Waimea with a group of about five others and volunteer for the Waimea Younglife group.”
Nichole Chaffin, University of Hawaii at Hilo student, Natural Sciences major, and volunteer. Photo courtesy of Nichole Chaffin.
When asked what the driving force behind her volunteer work was, Chaffin reported, “When I was in high school, my youth group leader had a super positive effect on my life and I want to be able to have that effect on kids [who] live here.”
“She is diligent, on-task, on-time, attentive, and very friendly,” Associate Professor of English and Chair of the English Department, Professor Kirsten Mollegaard, states. Having had Chaffin in her English 287 Introduction to Rhetoric course, the faculty member is quite familiar with the Natural Science major. “She works well with others and also independently. She seems well balanced and has clear goals. She is not afraid of voicing her opinion or to argue a position contrary to someone else. At the same time, she is respectful of others and listens well.”
“During school, we have clubs where we play games, eat food, hang out, and talk to kids about Jesus,” Chaffin continues, “and then during school breaks (spring break and summer) we take kids to other islands and to the mainland for state and nationwide camps with students from other places [associated with] Younglife.” Regarding the most rewarding aspect of her work, the Big Island native says, “Definitely seeing how the kids go through their school years in a positive way. I have one girl who I’ve been [with since she was in] eighth grade and [now] she’s going to be a senior in high school. It’s crazy watching them grow up right in front [of] my eyes.”
Carnival night at the Oahu middle school camp, Camp Mokule'ia, just one of the many camp activities Chaffin visited through her volunteer work. Photo courtesy of Nichole Chaffin.
The Natural Science major sees interpersonal knowledge as something she has acquired from her work. “[I learned] that not all kids come from the same background, so each relationship formed needs to be sincere and focused around what one kid needs to know in relation to what’s going on in their individual life.” Chaffin extends this knowledge to life in general, “[I have learned] just to not judge a person by their appearance because you never know what kind of heavy stuff they could be dealing with inside.”
Her volunteer work has also provided her with insight on how to best conduct herself in the future. “[I now know] to have genuine friendships and relationships with other people because,” she says, “it can benefit both parties.”
An event at Woodleaf, a high school camp Chaffin visited through her volunteer work. Photo courtesy of Nichole Chaffin.
“Based on what I have observed about her in class,” Professor Mollegaard concedes, “I am quite confident that Nichole’s efforts as a volunteer leaves a positive mark on the lives of others. I am glad to see that [the Office of Applied Learning Experiences (ALEX)] has chosen to recognize Nichole for her efforts.”
To students contemplating volunteering, Chaffin asserts, “Just go out and do it! It may be scary at first but the results are rewarding and definitely make you feel like you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
Those who are ready to just go out and do it may take their first step toward giving back by going to the Wednesday, March 18, 2015 ALEX Volunteer Fair. The fair will be a free event held on the library lanai. For more information, those interested may contact ALEX director, Professor Tom Dewitt, at tsdewitt@hawaii.edu.
