At the Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE), Associate Director Nicolas Edge wears many hats. He describes his role as "a little bit of everything," but at the core of it all is his passion for students and service. For him, the work is about more than just filling a role. It's about meeting people where they're at and creating meaningful connections to inspire change.
Nicolas's journey into the world of service started earlier than most. In middle school, he had the unique opportunity to assist a NASA ambassador at a small observatory in an Idaho state park. He was engaging with the community, teaching people about nature and astronomy, and discovering the power of connection. Through it, he gained interpersonal skills and learned that service could genuinely change lives, including his own.
When asked who influenced his desire to give back, Nicolas immediately points to his parents. "It was never taught, but still learned through their actions," he explains. Service wasn't a rule in his household but instead it was a way of life. Witnessing their commitment to community and kindness made giving back feel like the natural way people should live.
For Nicolas, the importance of service goes beyond individual acts. "Your actions can help people, but more importantly, they can inspire people. The chain starts there. You are a part of something much bigger." That ripple effect, he believes, is where real change happens.
When asked what advice he'd give to someone hesitant about volunteering, Nicolas keeps it simple and says, "Look out for the opportunities that come around naturally." Whether it's helping a neighbor, supporting a friend, or responding to a need you stumble upon, those small acts can open doors to bigger passions and deeper connections.
The biggest lesson Nicolas has learned in his own journey is the power of saying yes. From running lights for a school drama performance with no prior experience to stepping into leadership at summer camps, each unexpected "yes" created a new path forward. "Saying yes to things you're uncomfortable with can change your life," he says. His own story is proof.
Nicolas Edge's life is a testament to the ripple effect of service. What started as a middle school opportunity in a small observatory has grown into a lifelong commitment to inspiring others through acts of kindness, leadership, and community. His story reminds us that the biggest impacts often begin with small choices-choosing to help, to connect, and most importantly, to say yes.
