YC Stories: John Terrivel, Jesuit Volunteer
John Terrivel has been serving full-time as a volunteer program staffer this past year through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. This service organization engages young volunteers to provide service in marginalized communities while focusing on four core values: simple living, spiritual growth, community, and the pursuit of social justice. His last day at YC was Thursday, July 31; we will certainly miss seeing him around the office and at programs! Thank you, John, for helping make YC such a fun place to be! Here are some of John’s reflections about his year:
My year with Youth Challenge has been full of blessings from start to finish. It has been such a joy to dive headfirst into the world of disability and learn more about adapted sports and disability empowerment. I came into this year knowing very little about physical disabilities, and I am now leaving with a newfound understanding and desire to learn more. Building relationships and hearing stories from dozens of participants has certainly left a mark on me that runs deep, one that I hope to hold close no matter where my future takes me.
In a year full of fun, my favorite moments have, without a doubt, been the larger YC programs, most notably the basketball and football showdowns, as well as the YC Holiday Show. These events create a space where participants, volunteers, and their families can come together in community and celebrate each other as one unified YC family. The atmosphere is nothing short of incredible. The venues are always filled with people ready to cheer on and uplift the participants and volunteers who are beaming with joy as all their hard work in the weeks prior is finally realized. It’s truly a special thing, and I leave all of these programs with a heightened appreciation for this organization, a handful of new friends, and a full heart.
This past year with YC has brought me a lot of joy, and it has certainly taught me plenty. I couldn’t be more glad that this was the organization I ended up working with during my JV year, and I can’t wait to see the ways it will continue to evolve and serve as a home for so many in the years to come.
