Conversation with Nicole!

Hello All,
Thank you for tuning in to our blog to see what's going on in your giving community! Today we have a rare interview with Nicole Hewett--one of the talented and creative organizers of the Young Hearts ball and a very important member of the Young Hearts Association which raises people's awareness on heart issues. Our fearless leader, Andrea Bucci, took a minute to interview her on her wonderful successes. Take a look!

Q: What do you currently do for work?
A: My defined role is a commercialization associate for Thought Equity
Motion. We represent rights for media partners.

Q:  What activities are you currently involved in?
A: I LOVE the Bachelor, I'm involved in two separate bible studies,
book club, two-stepping, working out, yoga, skiing/snowboarding, my
church, I get together with my friends and family when I can, I
volunteer with the Young Hearts Association, and I LOVE Justin Beiber!
Beiber fever:)

 Q: You said you volunteer, what is the reason that you began volunteering?
 A: I believe that everyone has talents and strengths and that we all
have something to give. We have passions for a reason. God gave us
such passions not for our own selfish benefit but so we can help
someone else and lead them to where they are going. There are plenty
of bad things in the world that we can't do anything about, like bombs
in the middle east, but we cab do something here, so get to it!

Q: What's  the best thing about volunteering?
A: The bonds you create with people. I've been on mission trips with
groups of volunteers and at the end I think, 'this wasn't a trip, it
was an experience.' This was much bigger than just a trip.

Q: You mentioned that you volunteer for the American Heart
Association, what is that organization about?
A: The organization funds research and creates awareness around
possible risk factors. We do much of this through the promotion of an
active/ healthy lifestyle through such events like the Heart Walk.

Q: When is the heart walk this year?
A: June 4, 2011, I sadly I will not be there as I am in a wedding
that day, but you all should try and go again this year.

 Q: Why did you want to get involved with the American Heart Association?
 A: The American Heart Association is a great way for young people to
get involved. It allows people like myself and you to have a place to
give when were young. I was involved a lot in college and they had
many resources to give to, but after college I don't think it's as
easy, many don't have money, we're trying to figure out what we want
to do with ourselves let alone our time, and sometimes it's not that
easy. When I was approached by Young Hearts I thought this was a great
way for me to give of myself.

Q: Who do you look up to/ admire?
A: Ray Rogers, he is my friend Ben's dad. He is the type of man that
seeks opportunities to help others at all times; he doesn't withhold
anything for himself. If he has something or knows of something that
could help someone else he will do everything he can to help. If he
knows of a job lead or has farm equipment he could give he'll give it.
That's just the kind of man he is. He's exemplified how to live a life
of both balance and purpose, he's a great man.

Q: What characteristics do you most admire in someone?
A: Someone who is trustworthy, loyal, does what they say they will,
doesn't take themselves too seriously. Jess Dawkins comes to mind with
this; I love that she is always having fun, and generosity. I am blown
away by generosity.

Q: What does "i have. i give." mean to you?
A: I think that we're given resources, whatever those are, and I
believe it's our "responsibility" to give of that. Too often we put
our hands around "this is mine", but with the i have. i give.
mentality: I've been given these gifts to give out as I see fit.

Q: If you could change the world in any way, what would you do and why?
A: I would set up a scholarship fund to help kids get an education.
When I was in Africa I saw people quit going to school because
education wasn't the hand they were dealt. By this I mean, they know
that they're not going to further their education so they would rather
work and get money rather than spend their time in school.

Q: Finish this sentence. "My perfect world would be _______________.
A: My perfect world would be when people begin thinking that
generosity is a standard protocol. Be generous with what you were
given and with what you have.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A:  "It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no one
can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Charles
Dudley

Q: What's the best advice you've ever received?
A: I heard it from my Professor of Entrepreneurial Finance at Baylor who
had us read Steven Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People".
"Begin with the end in mind." It's best case scenario mindset. Ask
yourself, "Am I happy with what I see at the end?" The other piece of
advice is from Barbara Bush. "Never lose sight of the fact that the
most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other
people- your family, your friends, co-workers, and even strangers you
meet along the way." Do you want to reap the benefits of what you
currently do? If not, do something. Take action.

Q: What's your best example of selfless giving?
A: For myself, I had just gotten home from a mission trip in Africa
and I kept asking myself while I was there was someone better off for
meeting me? I wanted to make sure I had made a difference while I was
there but also when I got home so I asked my roommates at the time if
they would want to donate $5 a month to sponsor a child with me? At
first they were really excited, so I think that they did donate for a
couple months, but soon that excitement went away and I was having to
sponsor the child all by myself. I was giving half of my paycheck at
the time to sponsor this child, and I still do today. The other
example is this couple that I know. They have four kids and they gave
up their comfortable lives to pursue something that means something to
them. They worked on Mercy Ships, which are hollowed out cruise ships
that stop at ports to provide health care for those in need. This other
couple I know are the directors of The Manna Project. They live in
Nicaragua and at one point they had eleven other people living in the
house with them. They never complained, they just accepted it as their
life. My pastor says, "If giving doesn't hurt a little your not giving
enough." To give because it's excess is admirable but to give so  it
hurts a little is true sacrifice.
Thanks to both Andrea and Nicole for taking time to talk about all of the wonderful benefits of living such a generous and selfless lifestyle. Hopefully you feel inspired by Nicole's motivation, generosity and enormous heart full of so much to give.