Kidz who Help

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Whether they’re not washing the dishes or not taking the garbage out —most parents can agree that teenagers live in a world of their own. Friends come first. Cell phones next. Then maybe video games. And while it may not be the last thing on their minds (we’re pretty sure that honor belongs to school), low on the list of pubescent priorities is helping the community. Usually.

While most teens would rather listen to their iPod on full blast and snarf down a Hot Pocket after school than lend a hand to their fellow man, these kids are a sight for sore eyes. They recognized early on a desire in themselves to volunteer; to help others. And they haven’t let school work, family commitments, or a social life get in their way of doing just that. Despite not getting a paycheck, serving others has put smiles on these teen faces all the same.

Between July and December of 2008 alone, 16-year-old Brittney Schils clocked in over 300 hours volunteering with M.A.R.E., the therapeutic horse-riding center that provides programs to children and adults with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. The opportunity to volunteer at M.A.R.E. was a dream come true for this animal lover.

“It’s a blast,” she says.

Brittney, who along with her siblings is home schooled in an independent study program (ISP) through Sunland Christian School, was anxious to start volunteering. Though community service hours are often required through high school and ISP, Brittney has gone above and beyond the required number of hours.

For the first few months, Brittney was at M.A.R.E. every day except Sunday, so it didn’t take her long to get the hang of her role as a volunteer.

“I do a lot of horse leading and side-walking,” she explains, the latter being the act of holding a child or student on the horse as it walks.

Additionally, Brittney takes care of the many horses at the facility by grooming them and feeding them.

“Out of everything, leading is my favorite,” she says. “I like it because of the responsibility one has to have. You’re in charge.”

Even though during the school year she only volunteers three or four days a week, she hasn’t let that stop her having fun while she’s at the center and making the most of her time there.

“I also give barn lessons. I love explaining how [the facility] works.”

But after putting in over 300 hours, does she ever feel burnt out?

“I still love it. The more I do it, the more I love it. It’s a great place to volunteer.

“I believe I’m getting the most experience here,” she muses. “I’m learning things from the kids. I’m learning by watching them interact with the horses.

“Kids need to get themselves involved in other people’s lives and put themselves out there to learn about life. It’s important to do nice things for other people that come from within.”

Those are big words coming from someone who can’t vote yet and who wants to become a registered nurse when she grows up.

But what about a nurse for animals?

“I’ve never thought about combining the two,” Brittney smiles. “That’s something to think about.”

Another youngster doing some serious thinking about the future is Andrew Banuclos. The Ridgeview High junior spends many an afternoon (after a long day of school, that is) at San Joaquin Community Hospital volunteering his time helping patients and nurses in the emergency room.

“The entire time I’ve been in high school, I’ve known I wanted to go into the medical field. So this is a way to get experience and help people at the same time,” Andrew says, now in his second year volunteering with the hospital.

“Volunteering is so important because it benefits the community in so many ways. I feel like I’m of a lot of use to the nurses in the E.R. and that helps them take care of the patients better. Volunteering at a hospital can make a lot of people feel better.”

Some of Andrew’s duties include stocking items in the rooms and moving patients to different departments.

But isn’t the emergency room a bit fast-paced for a high schooler?

Andrew laughs, “Once you get used to it, it’s pretty smooth.” Talk about a collected attitude.

Well, you’d have to be if you have big plans to continue volunteering with San Joaquin until graduation, only to transition right into a premed program at UC Merced, which is where Andrew plans to go.

The calm exterior of Andrew now is different than it was two years ago when he first started, according to the volunteer coordinator for San Joaquin. The then 15-year-old was quiet and shy.

“It’s given me more confidence, definitely,” he adds. “It’s an important thing to see the world differently than you do now and volunteering can help you do that. It’s a good way to learn more about the community you live in.”

And that passion has inspired Andrew to encourage his friends to volunteer. In fact, the week this interview took place, one of Andrew’s buddies was in his first week volunteering at San Joaquin and another was scheduled to start soon. As most of you know, it takes something significant to get a 16-year-old boy to give up an afternoon of video games and lounging in a big bean bag chair, so that’s really something.

“I really feel good when I’m doing it,” he says. So much so that mom, Anna, says he almost enjoys being at the hospital more than he wants to be at home.

“If you have an idea that you want to [volunteer], you should. It’s really important to see what experiences are out there.”

That’s certainly advice 13-year-old Crystal Ramos has taken to heart.

While she won’t be able to get a driver’s license for three more years, you won’t hear her complaining. Not one bit. She’s got bigger things to ponder...like how she can help out the Boys and Girls Club and how she can reach her career goals. This 7th grader at Our Lady Of Guadalupe School has her eyes on one thing. And no it’s not a character from the popular tween series Twilight. It’s optometry.

“I love science, math, and helping people,” she says, and optometry offers the perfect combination.

For now, she’s content with helping staff and younger kids during after school programs at the Boys and Girls Club.

“I’m here almost every day,” she says. And this modest teen even gives up her Saturdays to help. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, Crystal went out with fellow volunteers and painted over graffiti lining the walls on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

“It felt really good. And the community benefited from it. We all want the streets to be safe and clean.”

What 13-year-old is thinking about street safety? This one is. It’s clear that the outlet the Boys and Girls Club gives to this already generous youngster is working.

Not satisfied with putting her heart into just one project, Crystal participated in a program to make scarves for those living in convalescent homes this winter. And soon, she’ll be one of the older mentors helping young students at the club with homework and other projects; even helping kids younger than her learn to read.

But she doesn’t bat an eyelash when someone mentions the amazing things she’s doing for someone her age.

The modest teenager (though just barely having become one) just shrugs and says, “I love playing with the kids and talking with everyone here. It’s exciting.”

Some of that excitement spawns from the art projects Crystal happily works on throughout the year that will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club’s annual Artfest auction. Any money raised goes right back into the local club’s programs, which will enable Crystal and others like her to continue helping our community.

“I’ll keep volunteering as long as I can.”

She’s right. Why stop now?

If you’d like to see your child get involved with the community by volunteering, start by talking to them to get an understanding of what they’re interested in. The sky is the limit—there are numerous organizations that need volunteers whether they be serving the elderly, children, or animals. Not only are there opportunities through your child’s school, but the Volunteer Center of Kern County can help you find the quickest way to get your kids helping the community today. Visit volunteercenter.info today or call (661) 395-9787.

Article appeared in our 26-1 Issue - April 2009