From the heart
Volunteering an important part of high school student’s life.
Cameryn Evans’ late father left her a gift she carries with her every day.
“My dad was always involved in the community, especially as a coach, and he really inspired me,” Evans said of her father Terry Evans who died in 2010. “He passed on this passion for giving back and for me it’s such an important part of my every day life.
“Taking a little part of your day to help others adds so much to your life. Sometimes, just that one small little thing you do … can change someone’s life, which is such a wonderful thing.”
Evans, who currently has a 95 average, is active in sports as a player, mentor and a referee and at school, where among other things she is a goodwill ambassador as a go-between for faculty and students. She also assists seniors with current issues and is a member of student council.
Along with playing varsity basketball and soccer, she plans to try out for Memorial’s rugby team this spring.
Evans hopes to stay involved with school and community when she heads off to Halifax for university in the fall.
“My mom Gerry, she is my staunchest critic and my biggest supporter in everything I do, especially after my dad passed away,” Evans said. “She really pushed through it and I found that so inspiring.”
Evans also serves on the Northside The Lakes Community Health Board and volunteers at the Northside Community Guest Home where she helps serve meals, reads to the residents and assists with recreational activities as directed.
“Using some of the older tunes, I’m hoping to develop an exercise program for the residents, including those in wheelchairs. Going to the guest home, there are so many stories and interesting people, it really is amazing.”
Evans’ long-term plan is to become a dental surgeon or perhaps an orthodontist.
“When I was young, my teeth were really messed up before I got braces, which definitely changed my life. I saw how making this type of improvement changes how you feel about yourself and builds confidence,” she said. “At some point I’d like to get involved in Operation Smile, I think that is a wonderful program that can make such a difference for so many people.
“There’s school, studying, sports, volunteering and I also work at McDonald’s so my days are pretty structured. That’s the way I like it because it keeps me organized,” she said.
“Receiving the President’s Scholarship at the Mount (St. Vincent University), that is definitely my biggest achievement and I’m confident I’ll be able to maintain my grades so I can keep that scholarship.”
As for volunteering, Evans said for the rest of her life she wants to try and make a difference in people’s lives.
“I don’t know where that will take me, but wherever I am helping others will be important to me. It makes me feel like a better person, it’s great.”