Heidi Hill has been a Paideia parent for three years. Her daughter CJ ’26 started Paideia in the ninth grade, and the next year her son Peter started in sixth grade. Since coming to Paideia, Heidi has actively volunteered with archives, Pi Bites, Pi Care and Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. As a remote contractor editor, Heidi has found that setting aside time weekly to volunteer on campus and work with others has helped her feel less isolated and more connected to the community. “I love to cook. I love to help out. I’m a real lover of memories, special moments and history. The things I’ve gotten involved with here have been driven by my personal interests,” says Heidi.
Q. What got you started?
A. My kids went to a cooperative preschool, which really is where the importance of volunteering was instilled in me. When I came to Paideia, an old friend from our preschool days contacted me before the school year even started and invited me to help with decor for Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. Before CJ even stepped foot on campus as a student, I was having meetings about Grandparents Day. The event that year moved me so much that I was like, ‘I’m all in. I’m going to help with this however I can.’ It was so heartwarming to see the grandparents and special friends so happy and excited. Shortly after Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day, a friend of mine asked me to do Pi Bites with her. Now if I’m going to a Paideia event, I try to invite somebody I don’t know well to attend with me because it becomes a chance to get to know each other better.
Q. What do you enjoy the most about volunteering on campus?
A. I just love being here. It allows me to feel connected to this place that is so important to my kids – it’s where they spend most of their time. I like having that connection to them and that connection to other parents. Meeting people and developing friendships is a huge part of it. I also just really love to help people. I come from parents who are helpers and that’s definitely something I’ve adopted and I hope to instill in my own kids. I feel lucky that through archives I’ve gotten to know Judy Schwarz who has a wealth of knowledge of Paideia and is just the most loving, caring, nurturing person. Paideia has an incredible history and as a new parent who only knew of Paideia from driving by, I didn't understand everything that had gone into creating this incredible place. I really enjoy everyone who works in the archives. We’ve developed a little family. It’s what keeps me coming back.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of having parents involved at Paideia?
A. It makes our community stronger. There’s something about seeing not just your kids, but other kids and how they’re engaging with life at Paideia. As a parent, it opens up conversations with your kids about things that you’re seeing or that are interesting to you.
Q. What advice would you give to new parents who are unsure where to start?
A. Pick something small – a really easy thing that you can do to get your foot in and get a feel for the community and the solidarity you feel with other parents who are volunteering. Ask a friend to volunteer with you. Come talk with Kellie and Caroline because they’re phenomenal resources. They make it so easy – they get to know you and then they match you with work that aligns with your interests and passions. They do it in such a non-pushy way. It makes me want to do more because I just really love working with them. And read the weekly memo. It’s a great way to find volunteer opportunities. For current parents, invite new parents to do something with you – it’s just a lovely way to make friends and build community.