Sauchelli sanding down the door of a house built by the members of HHH during spring break. 

Photo Courtesy of Emily Sauchelli

I know many students hope to find a niche once they enter college that is fun and that keeps them occupied despite the stress and anxiety that college can bring.

For me, it was not that difficult to find a club to keep me busy. I found out about Hofstra’s Habitat for Humanity (HHH) campus chapter, established in 2013, at the club fair right before my freshman year began. I have spent four glorious years with HHH and each year has been better than the last. 

I joined HHH was because I wanted to learn about construction. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn how to build a house, right? In my time with HHH, I have picked up a ton of skills that will be beneficial in the future. I’ve learned how to spackle properly, how to put together a refrigerator and how to build a front deck. My first build with HHH was in October 2015 and from then on I was hooked. 

I applied to be part of their Collegiate Challenge trip, in which HHH members volunteer at another affiliate in the United States during spring break. Only 12 students are picked, and originally I was not one of them. I was ecstatic when I received an email saying a spot had opened up and that it was being offered to me. That initial invitation allowed me to become one of three people and the first non-executive-board member to participate in the challenge four times.

I completed the collegiate challenges in New Orleans, Louisiana; Daytona Beach, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and, this year, Atlanta, Georgia. I don’t think I would be as concerned about the world as I am right now if I hadn’t joined HHH.

HHH teaches its members about affordable housing and the importance of working together as a team. I’ve made many friendships and bonds over the years and each and every one of us has looked out for one another no matter what.

Every Collegiate Challenge trip has a “reflection session” where everyone on the trip gathers around in a circle and answers a question, given to the group by the current HHH president, that allows us to talk to each other in a deeper manner and helps us in building stronger relationships. 

With graduation a little over a month away, I am going to miss HHH with all my heart. The friendships I have made and the skills that I have attained are incomparable. There is nothing like being around people who have the same passions as you. I made some of my best friends through HHH. No matter where your passion lies, I suggest you surround yourself with people who praise your abilities and make you feel confident in your own skin. Those are the people that stick with you when times get tough.

Finding friends and your passion in college can be difficult, but finding a club that is fun and makes an impact on the community is simple. I want to thank everyone who has been on a build with me, everyone who has gone on collegiate challenge with me and especially HHH’s advisor and Hofstra’s Sustainability Officer Terry Greis – none of my memories would be complete without you along for the ride.