Volunteer Tutor awarded City of Melton Young Citizen of the Year for 2024.
Congratulations to our Volunteer Tutor Comfort Kennedy, who has recently been named Young Citizen of the Year by the City of Melton. Comfort is an enthusiastic and dedicated Melton local, who volunteers at Equip Church and at Melton Council’s Youth Advisory Committee as well as being a volunteer English tutor.
What drives you to do the volunteering and community activities that you do?
I love connecting with people. Authentic interactions bring me so much joy. Furthermore, my faith has taught me to use the gifts God has given me to serve people and enjoy the stage of life I’m in.
There are a lot of ways people can volunteer and support their community. Why have you chosen these particular activities?
I’ve chosen these because I resonate with their principles and the vision they all have for the community around them. I understand the stresses of migrating to Australia because of my own experiences. I’ve also matured from learning about the reality of migrating to a new country as an adult, despite having an established life in your home country. Honestly, volunteering has given me back more than I have ever put in.
How does volunteering and supporting your community make feel?
Very wholesome and so grateful to the people who allow me to share in their life experiences. I also get excited when I see the bigger picture. Empowering people to be more of their authentic self is invaluable. I know who I am today is made up of all the resources and time people invested in me.
What are you plans for the future?
I’ll be attending the community champions training over the next few months. So, I look forward to learning more about leadership, self-development, resource sharing and the value it will bring. I’m also completing my Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) this year, so I’m excited to finish strong. I look forward to the next part of my journey and a surely, I can make a holiday happen!
What advice would you give to someone else who was considering volunteering?
Volunteer, volunteer! It helps you mature, expands your world and hopefully enhances your character. You learn more about yourself in different environments and gives you invaluable tools to navigate your life no matter your age. Also, select volunteer work you’re passionate about in your personal life, it brings out more of who you are whilst simultaneously helping others.