What seemed like a fun trip to the Philippines, turned into a very exciting chapter of life for Nia White ’17.
After graduation, Nia took a trip to the Philippines with other college students from the surrounding area; but when she returned home, felt lost and confused about the next chapter in her life. She worked in a few different roles for the next year or so, but nothing seemed to be the right fit. Nia decided to take a second trip to the Philippines in 2019 where she visited an orphanage run by the Blessed Virgin Missionaries of Carmel. After that trip, she knew in her heart that she had more to offer. Nia asked the sisters if she could come back to stay and volunteer – and one week later, she had booked a one-way ticket to the Philippines.
Since then, Nia has been responsible for looking after and caring for the children who live in the orphanage. From early childhood development and physical therapy to tutoring, cooking, and bathing – Nia did it all. Now, she also serves as an English teacher for grades 1, 4, 5, and 6, as well as helping other teachers prepare lesson plans and creating curriculum for a college course. Although her role at the orphanage has changed throughout the years, one thing always remained constant – the love and passion for her work.
“I am a missionary at heart. I love it. I really could not imagine myself in any other kind of work. I could never work in retail, a bank, in politics, or media. I have always wanted a simple life and to serve people as I do here. My favorite part is the kids. They are bad for the ego and good for the heart. Most importantly, for me, they are the face of God. They crack me up. They stress me out. They make me happy. I learn a lot about humanity and its beauty from them,” says Nia.
Nia had many unique experiences and opportunities at Lewis that not only allowed – but also encouraged – her to learn, grow, and explore. She was surrounded by people that motivated her and inspired her to pursue this type of rewarding work.
“It is hard not to leave Lewis without doing some type of mission work. Lewis does a great job at opening our minds and hearts to the world around us. Being surrounded by that energy made me want to find it elsewhere, as much as I would have loved to stay at Lewis. The Lasallian network extends to so many countries, even here in the city I live in. Bacolod City has the University of St. Lasalle, and Manila has De La Salle University, both of which are connected to Lewis.”
While at Lewis, Nia was I was involved heavily in ministry and International Student Association, traveled abroad, served as a peer minister, and worked in the Lasalle House with the Christian Brothers.
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“The Brothers taught me a lot and continuously supported me throughout my time at Lewis, and even after. I would talk about campus and my experiences as a student often with Br. James. Br. Tom would help me with my math homework on my work breaks. Br. Phil and I would have very meaningful conversations about vocation and life. Before I left for the Philippines, I had dinner with them, and it was like saying goodbye to my family. It was also the last time I saw Br. Bernard, who was always so kind to me.”
Nia feels blessed to be able to wake up every morning and do
the work she loves. This opportunity has allowed her to reflect and be grateful
for all that she has and, more importantly, made her eager to share it with
others.
