Life-changing connections for student volunteer
Soyeon Kim came to New Zealand looking for connection. Two years later, the Tauranga university student has been recognised as one of the region’s most dedicated volunteers.
The 29-year-old, who is studying for a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Waikato campus, has been named the Tauranga Volunteer Star Award winner.
The award recognises volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to their communities. Soyeon has volunteered 57 hours with Recreate this term alone, while also giving her time as a woodworking workshop facilitator for young people in Gate Pā and balancing university studies, teaching placements and part-time work.
Recreate Bay of Plenty programme coordinator Adam Barrett says Soyeon stood out because of both the number of hours she contributes and the quality of her support.
“She has volunteered for a significant number of programmes, that’s the main reason why I nominated her,” Adam says.
During Term 2, Soyeon volunteered across five programmes, including holiday activities, a roller disco, a Goldfields train ride in Waihī, an in-house karaoke evening, a two-night getaway to Cooks Beach, and a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed event. She has already signed up for seven more programmes in Term 3.
“I couldn’t ask for a better volunteer,” Adam says. “Her communication and the way she supports the young people we work with is exactly what we would want from any volunteer.”
Soyeon was surprised to learn she had won an award.
“I actually did a little scream,” she says. “I never expected I would be selected as a Volunteer Star.”
Originally from Gwangmyeong-si, South Korea, she arrived in New Zealand two years ago and was looking for ways to become part of her new community.
“I wanted to feel more connected to this community and feel a sense of belonging,” she says. “Doing volunteer work seemed like the perfect way.”
That sense of connection remains the driving force behind everything she does.
“Human connection is really important to me,” she says. “My family and old friends are in Korea, so volunteering gives me a valuable opportunity to feel connected with others here.”
Through Recreate, Soyeon has supported programmes for young people with disabilities, joining day trips, community activities and social events.
She says she initially thought she would be helping others more than they helped her.
“But when I was with the young people, it felt like we were all the same,” she says. “They helped me, and I helped them. We shared our stories, had fun together and made memories.”
Adam says Soyeon’s approach to supporting participants reflects the values Recreate looks for in its volunteers.
“She is absolutely fantastic with participants,” he says. “She is very patient and kind, with a really good approach. She always treats people with disabilities at an age-appropriate level, with respect and dignity, which I really value.”
In addition to her work with Recreate, Soyeon volunteers each week with a woodworking programme for children, helping them build projects ranging from birdhouses to toolboxes and boats.
One recent experience remains a highlight. A young participant who had struggled to stay focused throughout the session completed his project and was proud to take it home.
“It was really good to see him focused on his work and be proud of what he had achieved,” she says.
Looking ahead, Soyeon hopes to become a teacher in New Zealand and continue volunteering alongside her career.
“People will welcome you,” she says. “You’ll make connections and find happiness. It could be a life-changer for you. It was for me.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities across the Bay of Plenty, visit the Volunteering Services website www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.
