By Breathney Jacinto Campos
Communication Capstone Student, Spring 2024
Noah Tyler, a dedicated psychology major from Oxnard, is deeply rooted in his local community and is set to graduate from º£½ÇÉçÇø Channel Islands (º£½ÇÉçÇøCI) in the Spring Semester, of 2024. His commitment to service is intertwined with his personal and academic life, actively contributing to various campus organizations and embodying the spirit of giving back to those less fortunate. Noah defines service as going out of one’s way to assist someone unknown, aiming to bring smiles and foster happiness among individuals. This sentiment is fueled by his experiences growing up alongside those in low-income situations, he developed a personal mission to alleviate the hardships of others, inspired by his own challenges with childhood trauma.
Noah's service journey began in middle school through the AVID program, which eventually inspired and led him to become involved with several key organizations, including the American Red Cross and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. His pivotal service moment came during the 2017 Thomas Fire when he was a shelter worker for the Red Cross at a mega-shelter in Ventura. An interaction with a lost child he helped reunite with his distraught parents in the shelter profoundly impacted Noah, marking a significant turning point in his service learning.
His approach to service has been shaped by significant role models, including his mother, a nurse known for her openness and kindness, and Tony Briggs, CEO of the American Red Cross and a retired Navy Chief Officer. These figures have inspired Noah to strive for impactful contributions and view service as a broad spectrum of actions, from saving lives in physical emergencies to addressing individuals' mental and spiritual needs.
Noah’s advice to those at º£½ÇÉçÇøCI looking to embark on their service journey is straightforward: just start. He believes there's no wrong time to begin making a difference, emphasizing the value of any contribution, no matter how small. The joy and satisfaction derived from seeing the positive impacts of his efforts—whether it’s a smile from someone saved at sea or gratitude after a house fire recovery—fuel his continued commitment to service.
At CI, Noah found a nurturing environment for his service ambitions through courses in nonprofit management and involvement in various clubs and organizations, including the Filipino Community of Ventura County. This engagement has broadened his perspective on service and contributed significantly to his personal and professional growth, enhancing his confidence, public speaking abilities, and overall happiness.
Noah Tyler's story is a testament to the transformative power of service, exemplifying how individual efforts can ripple through communities, fostering a culture of kindness, support, and resilience. His journey highlights the essence of community service at º£½ÇÉçÇøCI—uniting individuals through compassion and action to build a stronger, more connected society.