Jamie Hudgins

1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

I was inspired to be a VISIONS leader when I found out there was an opportunity to lead and do things I’m passionate about… serving others through volunteer work and exploring new places!

2. What experiences have shaped your passion for community service and youth development?

My experiences as a full-time teacher have driven my passion to serve the community, as well as start my own project/unofficial non-profit. I’ve been teaching for five years. Three of those years were in the general education classroom, and the past two years I’ve spent teaching Elementary Special Education. I love my job because every day I have the opportunity to be an advocate for my students and their families. I love seeing my students believe in themselves and grow in their confidence. Outside of work, The Joyy Project was created to get others involved in volunteer work and to bring joy to people who need it most.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

My favorite achievement would probably be moving across the country twice by myself to places I’d never been and not knowing anyone! I learned a lot about myself, my passions, and my values.

4. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?

My favorite place I’ve traveled to is Hawai’i. I spent a summer working at a summer camp on the North Shore of Oahu. The people were incredibly kind and welcoming, the sunsets and sunrises were beautiful, and the mountains and blue waters made it so difficult to leave.

5. What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I’ve received is you’ll never know if you don’t at least try. The only way you can fail is by not trying. Every time I’ve tried something out of my comfort zone or something new… I’ve never regretted it. Although I have regretted the things I never tried to do.

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

This summer I am hoping to make an impact – in both the community we are serving and the students I am leading. I want to offer a safe place for students to be themselves, grow, make mistakes, learn about themselves, and a place where they begin to desire to make a difference in the world. I’m excited to experience new cultures and opportunities, and meet new people while adventuring to a new place!

7. If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first VISIONS experience, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to jump in. To grow you have to be okay with being uncomfortable, experiencing the new and unknown, and stepping outside your comfort zone. The greatest adventures and experiences happen when you take a leap!