Kindhumans Ambassador: Erik Jenkins is a Teacher with an Open Mind and an Open Heart

Kindhumans Ambassador: Erik Jenkins is a Teacher with an Open Mind and an Open Heart

Kindhumans ambassadors lead with heart, caring for the planet and other people. Our ambassadors exemplify our core values and they act as representatives for our communities, spreading kindness everywhere they go. We are so stoked to welcome these remarkable people to our team! – KH

Tell us about yourself (where do you live/where are you from? What are your passions/what lead you to be here?
Hi, my name is Eric Jenkins. I currently live in San Diego, California, but I am originally from Louisiana. I came to San Diego because of my military duty. I completed my enlistment duty and decided to stay here and go to college. Some of my passions include hiking, photography, running, and learning new things. I have a bachelor’s degree in Graphic & Web Design, however, I work as a teaching aide for grades K-8. I have 4 years of experience as an art teacher. The thing that led me to Kindhumans is my love for nature and the environment around us. As a teacher, I emphasize to my students the importance of being kind and how each decision can change their whole outlook. We encourage students to pick up trash if they see it, volunteer along with their families for local cleanups, and to use reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones. A fun fact about me that isn’t widely known is that I have a fear of heights and I constantly push against that fear by engaging in things such as parasailing, and hopefully skydiving soon!

What is your definition of a kind human?
My definition of a kind human is someone who cares for and helps others, without expecting or wanting compensation or recognition. They are kind simply because it’s the right thing to do. Being kind is just who I am and I try to pass that on to my students who inspire me every day.

What inspires you to be kind and give back?
The thing that inspires me to give back is seeing people in need and remembering that I have even been one of those people, too. If I can help make someone’s day easier, then I’ll do just that.

Name 3 kind humans that have positively affected you.
First, my supervisor, Nicole Dougherty. She is an amazing mentor who gives 1000 percent every moment to give the students the best chance of success in everything they set out to accomplish. Next, my sister, who is absolutely amazing! She’s been raising my youngest sister since our mom passed while I was serving out my military duty. She has done an incredible job teaching our youngest sister the importance of kindness and accepting the differences in others. On top of that, she and I together have helped to inspire our sister and younger family members to want to attend college. Third is a group: my students who inspire me every day. I get to see their growth and their potential and I am lucky enough to be present to watch as they realize that potential and pass along lessons to younger students.