A dual award recipient, Christian Higgins, 17, has completed more than 600 hours of service during his time at Christ’s College. Head of Julius House, Christian has achieved Silver in the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award and is on the verge of completing his Gold Award requirements. He already holds the Gold Award under the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) Service Award programme. Brought up in an environment of gratitude and service, Christian feels “fortunate and privileged” to be in his situation, comparing his childhood with that of his mother’s experience growing up in a small farming town in the Philippines. “Be thankful for all that you have and show gratitude by driving to make a difference,” Christian says. “From what I have experienced, it is easy to see who is in need. I help because I like seeing a smile on people’s faces and I like knowing that I have just helped make someone’s day a little bit better.” Christian also credits his Duke of Edinburgh residential experience this year for pushing him further along the right path. “The residential camp in Palmerston North in April had a big impact on me. I have met plenty of inspiring people who always aspire to make a big difference. They are like-minded people of character who take a more holistic approach to service. “It’s all about how to conduct yourself and remain focused on
other people and making sure they are OK.” During his time at College, Christian has been involved with the Eco-Action Nursery, carried out a range of Prefect and Head of House duties, and been a driving force for Service Week and a volleyball referee for national tournaments and local competitions. He has put in hundreds of hours of service across a range of activities, gaining his dual service awards. Christian is also a member of College’s most successful Senior A Volleyball team, plays Hockey, enjoys Mountain-biking. He also takes part in the annual World Vision 40 Hour Famine fundraiser to help those children
surviving in the worse conditions. He encourages all new students to “100 per cent get involved” in service in all its forms, adding that “College has so much on offer to boys it is easy to step up”. “From tree planting to Service Week, sports volunteer to simply fronting up, you can meet so many amazing people and do amazing things and learn from some incredible people,” he says. “Being surrounded by the right people changes your mindset. You can make a big difference in the community. Do everything in your power to change things. Even just a small act of kindness and a small act of service can mean so much to someone.”
“Be thankful for all that you have and show gratitude by driving to make a difference.”
COLLEGE 2022
101
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