Born and raised in Long Island, New York in the large community of Babylon, Heidi Bates walks in to the Carrier Library Starbucks with a smile on her face and exuding energy. Heidi expressed such a lively and bright personality—from her mismatched neon socks to her distinct New York accent.
Heidi is a Nursing major and a Chronic Illness minor here at JMU. She is also heavily involved in organizations on campus and still finds the time to have a vibrant social life outside of campus.
HCJMU: What clubs/ organizations are you involved in at JMU?
I am a member of the women’s water polo team, an active member of Campus Crusade for Christ, and my favorite, Habitat for Humanity.
HCJMU: What positions do you hold in these organizations?
I am a rookie on the water polo team (aka attempting to learn how to play while getting drowned by the returners). I am also on the executive board for Habitat, holding the position as Project Coordinator. In a nut shell I am the liaison between our local affiliates and members of our club. I set up Habitats’ weekly builds—these “builds” influence impoverished families who apply for a home to live in.
HCJMU: How has your experience been by involving yourself in such social and life changing organizations?
Being a member of Habitat has really changed how I view life. I joined Habitat my freshman year because I was homesick and wanted to meet new people. In the end I ended up getting so much more than that. I got to build homes for people who desperately needed them and through all their struggles these people, in Habitat and the families that impacted me, were the kindest I have ever met. Relieving my homesickness, I knew Habitat was the best organization for me.
HCJMU: Being a part of Habitat, what is the most uplifting and inspirational experience you have taken part in?
One build last semester, I can remember it distinctly, I was up on a ladder hammering the trusses on the ceiling and the soon-to-be homeowner tapped me and asked me to come down the ladder. I stopped what I was doing and walked down the ladder, assuming she was going to tell me I needed to do another task, but instead she hugged me so tight and said, “Thank you for building my home.” This moment will stay with me forever.
HCJMU: As an involved individual- how do you manage all of your time and social life?
My planner! I literally would be lost without her—yes ‘her,’ she is basically a person because of the amount of time we spend together!
HCJMU: What inspires you to keep motivated here as a student?
The number one thing that keeps me motivated is to get into the nursing program here at JMU. It is extremely competitive and keeping my grades up is crucial to acceptance.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.