Erin Hayle
SAVING LIVES ONE CHILD AT A TIME
Rocheda Bartley Lifestyle Writer
ERIN HAYLE is fuelled by three things, volunteerism, teaching and psychology. But of the trifecta, volunteerism is the most critical.
As the coordinator of the Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation, a non-profit group that primarily offsets the cost of dialysis for children, she continuously assists in saving lives and making a difference one child at a time. It’s a position she’s held for years after stepping in to help her mother paediatric nephrologist, Dr Maolynne Miller, who founded the organisation in 2012.
Hayle is super passionate about the organisation. But is looking forward to greater excel in the other areas that she is committed to. Already with a first degree in psychology, she aims to merge teaching and psychology to bring about a more significant change in Jamaica. With this accomplishment she celebrates the first step in making this dream a reality. Also she asserts that there are greater things on the horizon for her, which she anxiously awaits. I WANT TO HELP MORE
Her eyes are set on pursuing a master’s in applied positive psychology in the United Kingdom. With fingers crossed, she is excitedly waiting to learn if she has been chosen as a scholarship recipient to complete her studies.
“I really want to apply this concept of psychology to education. It’s about thriving, happiness and focusing on what you can do better instead of what you are doing wrong, because children learn better in an environment where they can have fun and enjoy the atmosphere,” The University of the West Indies graduate said.
She added: “I am looking forward to teaching, but at the same time I am daunted by it. I don’t know if students will be receptive of me and the message that I bring. And even when the foundation hosts projects and I’m suppose to teach them about the kidney, I often ask myself if I really want to this. Buy I always overcome the feeling.
But divorcing herself from the cause is like a disaster for Hayle as she believes no one else will ever be able to provide enough love and the willingness to go above and beyond for the lives of these children. The expensive treatment is only available at the University of the West Indies. BALANCING
“My days vary. Sometimes is super busy, like when I have to train potential volunteers or when I have to go to the hospital to train them to use the equipment the organisation donated there. Otherwise, there are days when I am in the office and the workload is lighter,” she said.
In order to make her duty easier, Hayle colour code her duties. If one were to turn a page or in her note, you’ll colours that all indicate the accomplishments she has acquired and the multiple tasks that lie ahead. It’s what helps her get through a hectic and ensures that all her tasks are complete.
“All my days are written up. It keeps me accountable. So, for example, green means its urgent and orange means it can stay for the next day. It’s helps me maintain a balance,” she shared.