Oak Ridge High School junior Navy Morrison’s passion to serve was re-ignited after participating in her first Winter Boutique last year.
Since then, she’s volunteered wherever she can with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference. In addition to serving as Secretary of her campus Hands4Hope club, she has been involved with six of our after-school committees! Additionally, taking on leadership roles helped build her confidence and changed how she approaches every aspect of her life.
The positive energy that Navy brings to Hands4Hope comes across clearly in her responses in this month’s Youth Spotlight!
Enjoy learning more about Navy who is one of many amazing youth we have the pleasure to work with at Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference!
What grade are you in, what school do you go to, and how long have you been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What club or committees are you involved in?
I am currently a junior at Oak Ridge High School. I have been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference for one year and am currently the Secretary of the Oak Ridge High School Inspire Club. In addition, I have been involved in the following committees: Kids Zone (Chair, Marketing and Finance); School Supply Drive (Chair, Placerville Distribution), Fall Festival (Vice Chair, Operations and Chair Volunteer Management); AspireKIDS Outfitters (Co-Chair); and the Children’s and Emergency Food Pantry Committees.
How did you hear about Hands4Hope? What motivated you to participate?
Last year some friends and I decided to volunteer at the Fall Festival. At that point, I hadn’t volunteered anywhere since I had moved to El Dorado Hills. I fell in love immediately. Growing up, so much of what I enjoyed doing had to do with service. Reconnecting with this passion of mine through Hands4Hope became incredibly important to me. Since then I have leaped headfirst into volunteering anywhere I can, especially within this amazing organization. I am so glad that I found Hands4Hope and that it has become a vehicle for me to do something I love so much.
Reflect on the experiences you have had with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference that have shaped you into the person you are today compared to when you first joined. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?
When I first joined Hands4Hope I was a self-doubtful, dependent sophomore who had missed out on most of the past two years. The space Hands4Hope gave me to become confident and independent has surely changed my life in every aspect. I now speak up in meetings, share my own ideas, and I’m not scared to be myself. This has changed the way I approach new friendships --as well as old-- and has led me to seek more opportunities for myself. The skills I have learned through Hands4Hope leadership and outreaches have given me the confidence to be an active participant in my own life, something I am forever grateful for.
What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
My favorite memory of my work with Hands4Hope was during last year’s Winter Boutique. My friend Aiden and I were in charge of the children’s activity table for the majority of the event. We created games for the kids to play with and colored with them. By the end of the day, we were covered in stickers! I have always loved working with children and being able to take on this role was so special to me. On top of that, this was one of the first events I had attended through Hands4Hope, so it left a lasting impression. The amazing experience of hands-on work that this event gave me will always stay with me as it continually motivates me to serve.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
The Hands4Hope community is something that may be impossible to recreate. Not only have I met new friends, but I have strengthened relationships with those I am already friends with. Planning events, attending meetings, and volunteering together create such a great environment to build strong friendships based on similar passions.
I always look forward to any sort of Hands4Hope meeting or event as they have a positive, inspiring environment. The people of Hands4Hope are truly amazing and the community they have created is a major reason I love this organization so much.