Miss-Delectable
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- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_4061129
Matt Phillips
School: Hillcrest
Sport: basketball
How He Makes a Difference: Spent 16 days in Kenya last summer teaching deaf children basic lessons and teaching orphans basic skills.
When Matt Phillips heard about a service mission to the Ngala School for the Deaf in Kenya, he thought it would be a great way to spruce up his resume for college. But his experience in Africa, and the time he volunteered in Utah to qualify for the trip, changed his whole perspective.
"Inwardly, I've gained an appreciation for other people," said Phillips, a student at Midvale's Hillcrest High. "Especially on my trip to Kenya, where I met so many different people and learned a whole new culture."
The school included about 150 children. A small group of volunteers from Utah helped teach the youngsters basic lessons on a variety of subjects. Going beyond the lessons, Phillips helped the children by showing them he cared enough to spend time with them.
"The deaf are really looked down upon in Kenya," he said.
Phillips also taught basic vocational skills to a group of orphans in the African country. Between the deaf children and the orphans, Phillips learned a new kind of thrill.
"I don't know that you can compare winning a big game to changing a little kid's life in Kenya, but they are both amazing feelings," Phillips said.
To qualify for the mission in Kenya, Phillips completed more than 100 hours of community service in Utah. He worked at the Midvale Boys and Girls Club helping kids with homework or leading play groups. He also volunteered at Cottonwood Hospital and started a summer reading program for elementary school-age kids.
Matt Phillips
School: Hillcrest
Sport: basketball
How He Makes a Difference: Spent 16 days in Kenya last summer teaching deaf children basic lessons and teaching orphans basic skills.
When Matt Phillips heard about a service mission to the Ngala School for the Deaf in Kenya, he thought it would be a great way to spruce up his resume for college. But his experience in Africa, and the time he volunteered in Utah to qualify for the trip, changed his whole perspective.
"Inwardly, I've gained an appreciation for other people," said Phillips, a student at Midvale's Hillcrest High. "Especially on my trip to Kenya, where I met so many different people and learned a whole new culture."
The school included about 150 children. A small group of volunteers from Utah helped teach the youngsters basic lessons on a variety of subjects. Going beyond the lessons, Phillips helped the children by showing them he cared enough to spend time with them.
"The deaf are really looked down upon in Kenya," he said.
Phillips also taught basic vocational skills to a group of orphans in the African country. Between the deaf children and the orphans, Phillips learned a new kind of thrill.
"I don't know that you can compare winning a big game to changing a little kid's life in Kenya, but they are both amazing feelings," Phillips said.
To qualify for the mission in Kenya, Phillips completed more than 100 hours of community service in Utah. He worked at the Midvale Boys and Girls Club helping kids with homework or leading play groups. He also volunteered at Cottonwood Hospital and started a summer reading program for elementary school-age kids.