Youth Spotlight: Rivaan Tanneru

Rivaan started participating with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference as he entered middle school in 6th grade, and liked it so much he ran for President of the Rolling Hills Hands4Hope Club as a 7th grader, with plans to continue his leadership roles. Through participating in his on-campus club, he has tallied 52 service hours so far!

"Rivvan has grown as a leader this year. His cheerful smile and warm personality create a welcoming environment for everyone in the club. He sets a great example by readily stepping in to help whenever needed. His innovative thinking encourages collaboration and incorporates everyone's ideas into the solutions. It has been a pleasure to mentor him this year," said Sydnie Warner, Hands4Hope Education Program Coordinator and the Staff Mentor for the Rolling Hills Middle School Hands4Hope Club.

What motivated you to join Hands4Hope?

I first heard about Hands4Hope through one of my friends who literally would not stop talking about how excited he was to join and make a difference. Honestly for the first two meetings I was not really interested and was just there to hang out with my friends. But then I saw what a huge difference that Hands4Hope makes on the community and I was set on helping as much as possible. What really motivated me to stay and join was because I could make an impact on my community and the people in it, while hanging out with my friends.

How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you?

Unlike everyone else who was scared, nervous, or shy about middle school I was excited and super talkative. Hands4Hope has really made me a better person overall because my (amazing) mentor Sydnie and all the other leaders have taught me to be okay with listening to others and disagreeing with them. The Hands4Hope club at RHMS has also taught me to trust other people, to let other people help me, and not let the burden fall only upon me.

I was always a really loud, confident, and kind person. But through Hands4Hope have learned to quiet down sometimes. I have become 10 times more confident in front of other people. But most of all I have become a more kind, compassionate, and thoughtful person because I know what others are going through and what hardships they face.

Have you found being in Hands4Hope helpful to you?

It has helped me in so many ways from making me more comfortable with talking and sharing ideas in class to being more confident to connect with others and make new friends. I believe that the experiences and teachings Hands4Hope is providing everyone with will really make not only our communities better but also the people in them better.

What is a favorite Hands4Hope memory so far?

 By far my favorite memory with Hands4Hope has been our car wash fundraiser event. Not only did the event raise a bunch of money for Jake's Journey Home, but it also created new friendships and stronger bonds within our club. I vividly remember my friends and I playing around in the water trying to spray each other the hoses, and abruptly stopping a moment later to clean another car, and then after we washed the car we would play around again. I really thank Hands4Hope for making me and my friends better friends and better people.

What would you tell someone who is considering participating with Hands4Hope?

If anyone was remotely interested in Hands4Hope I would drag them to a meeting/event and I bet you they would fall in love with it just like I did because we all get to make our communities better and we also get to meet new people who are all amazing. Everyone is always supportive and kind to each other, everyone also listens to your ideas. Overall Hands4Hope is a great place to be and anyone on the fence about it should give it a try.

What other activities do you enjoy?

I play competitive soccer. I have played soccer since I was a little kid and it is one of my favorite things to do ever! I like to spend time with my family by playing board games and watching movies. I also enjoy doing debate. I'm on a debate team and really enjoy expressing my thoughts through debate.