My Nonprofit Reviews

Becoming a teen mentor for Project Hawai'i Summer camp was truly a life changing experience. I am in my senior year of high school and my mom was pushing me to figure out a career path. I was so uncertain about what my passion was and what I wanted to dedicate my life to. My mom is a doctor, and yet I felt like she was not really happy with her choice in life. She truly should have been able to follow her real dreams and become a home decorator and reconstruct historic homes. Her parents wanted her to be "successful".
After spending 4 weeks with the team at Project Hawai'i and finding my own strengths, I phoned my mother at our graduation and told her, "Yes, I will go to school to become a pediatrician." The fact that I know I can change lives and maybe someday have a foundation for those who can not afford adequate care and love was overwhelming what I wanted to strive for.
I am so grateful for this teen mentoring program. When I signed up, I thought, great I am going to Hawaii and will be able to volunteer and give back. Complete my senior project and have a blast. When I arrived and learned the true meaning of this camp, the leaders vision and actually saw first hand how these children live in poverty situations, my ideas fly out the window. I can't express the sadness one feels when seeing these children and how they are being raised to the joy you feel knowing you have helped them find joy and happiness, even if just for a moment in time. This past Christmas I sent them all a Christmas card and a small gift card with LOVE and know that these children will always remain in my heart.
Nothing can beat this experience. Being able to find your own path and follow your journey alongside the guidance of those who really care is priceless. I am so happy to be part of this 'ohana (family as they say in Hawai'i).
Aloha until next time!