2021 Volunteers - SWERV Tucson

My name is Mar’Shayla Thomas and I am a twenty-four year old cohort from Beaumont, Texas. I am an optimistic, open and loving soul who believes that everyone deserves to live a life that makes them feel mentally happy and free. I joined SWERV because I knew that there was more to life than paying bills and solely surviving. Joy is my experience when I participate in community work, acts of kindness and engaging conversations. I believe that we truly learn through connecting with the source of all sources (God), and that specific connection has the capability to transcend communities throughout the world.

My name is Ji Won (or Josh) Kang and I wish to be apart of the SWERV program because I wish to spend some of my post-university time helping others and making a difference. I have been a part of the Presbyterian Church my whole life and have been instilled Christian beliefs like solidarity and charity and have been involved in volunteer activities my whole life. However now that I am older, I wish to be able to truly understand what these ideas mean. I studied religion and political science at university and I wish to now put into practice what I have studied and to learn more about others.

Hello, my name is Natalily Kyremes-Parks! I don’t just call one place home. I was born in Oregon and have called Utah,Ohio and now Western North Carolina home! Growing up in a family that is very service oriented has instilled in me a passion to serve others and build community wherever I am. I am so thankful  to be a part of SWERV in such an uncharted time and hope to learn more about Tucson and the borderlands as well as listening and being challenged by what God and this community has to teach me.