Carean Clarke: Changing lives with kindness
Published:Sunday | November 10, 2019 | 12:00 AMRocheda Bartley - Gleaner Writer
Carean Clarke believes her name adroitly represents who she is, someone who cares. The 27-year-old serves as the governor of the Caribbean District of Circle K International. It’s a duty she performs with great fondness because she knows how kindness can change lives.
A compassionate individual, foodie, leader, service giver, and warm-hearted soul, these just about sum up who Clarke is.
Completing her fourth year at the International University of the Caribbean, she is set to leave the institution with a number of accolades under her tiny but powerful belt. Under Clarkes leadership, the IUC club has earned over 30 awards in different areas at the Caribbean District of Circle K International District Convention.
“Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ That is how I live my life, a life that others can emulate, because the world needs kindness,” said Clarke.
Her countenance brightened repeatedly with just the mention of the word ‘help’, as she sat and spoke with Outlook recently. And you could tell that assisting others brings joy to her soul, simply by the way she passionately spoke of the projects she has spearheaded and those currently in the works.
ASSERTIVE YET COMPASSIONATE LEADER
Clarke aims to leave behind a legacy that is worth following by her successors. She is assertive, but understanding, and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that her teammates are productive and comfortable.
Some of the projects she has led include large-scale clothes drives, feeding of hundreds of homeless and elderly citizens, providing educational tools for students, the renovation of basic school bathrooms, building seating and lunch area for primary schools and raising awareness about autism, childhood cancer and immaturity. So far, the most impactful one that has changed her perspective on life is serving those who are down and out.
“Volunteering isn’t only about helping others, it helps you, too. It builds your social network and your character – both personally and professionally. This is one of the most important things for young people to engage in,” the Spanish Town High School graduate explained.
How does she keep focused?
It’s simple. Clarke is, first intrinsically motivated, then by her family. Plus, she uses volunteerism as a key driving force to keep her on top of things and grounded. She is encouraging everyone, especially university students, to start lending a helping hand whenever it is needed.
“Find a Circle K Club or form one. It will give you life-changing experiences,” Clarke advised.