Big Brunch Honoree Yasmine Chahine
JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on October 26. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship.
Yasmine Chahine is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask her a few questions about her volunteer experience.
Why did you decide to first volunteer with JBBBS?
I first connected with JBBBS after hosting a representative at a young professionals event at my former job. What began as an effort to inspire others to volunteer sparked something personal for me. Hearing stories from long-time matches and learning about the organization’s impact made me want to get involved and build a meaningful relationship with someone I might not have met otherwise!
What is your favorite thing about volunteering with JBBBS?
My favorite thing about volunteering with JBBBS is getting to meet new people and make new memories with my friend, Nick! I love that JBBBS offers community events that offer Nick and I a chance to meet other matches in addition to our solo-adventures.
What are your favorite activities to do with your match?
I have really enjoyed being in creative spaces with Nick. We are both hands-on crafty people and enjoy painting pottery or participating in JBBBS-run Scribl sessions! He is a talented artist and I love seeing what he comes up with.
What is your favorite memory of your JBBBS volunteer experience?
One of my favorite memories of my JBBBS volunteer experience was this summer when Nick and I went to a Red Sox game. The Red Sox were up the entire game, energy was so high in the crowd and I will never forget the smile on Nick’s face while we sang our hearts out to Sweet Caroline.
What have you learned from volunteering with JBBBS?
Volunteering with JBBBS has changed my perspective on what friendship means and taught me that you don’t need to have a checklist of “things in common” to call someone your friend. Friendship is celebrating each other’s differences and encouraging each other to be the best version of yourselves you can be!
What are three words you would use to describe your JBBBS volunteer experience?
I would describe my JBBBS volunteer experience as transformational, uplifting and fun!
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with JBBBS?
I would tell them to DO IT! I can’t imagine a world in which anyone regrets getting involved with this organization. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people from different walks of life and it will broaden your perspective on community and friendship.
Do you have advice for someone who is just starting out their volunteer journey with JBBBS?
I would tell them to let go of any reservations or fears they might have in the beginning of their volunteer journey and to ask questions and lean on the incredible JBBBS staff! The JBBBS clinical match specialists are an especially supportive and caring group that are there to help you navigate and feel more comfortable building a strong foundation for your new friendship!