From Boston to Brisbane: Adam’s short & sweet time volunteering on student exchange with HPHH

At Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), our volunteers are an integral part of what makes our programs so special. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Adam, a 21-year-old student from Boston, Massachusetts, who has brought his unique perspective, enthusiasm, and love for animals into our sessions while on his 4-month student exchange from the States. Adam’s journey across the globe and his passion for giving back have made a significant impact on both our participants and the rescue animals he’s worked with.

Adam in-pen with rescue dog at RSPCA Wacol’s Animal Care Campus

From Boston to Brisbane
Adam was born and raised in Boston, and he’s currently in his third year of university, studying Accounting and Spanish. This semester, Adam has been on exchange in Brisbane, and while his studies have kept him busy, he was searching for something more to fill his time. Feeling a sense of social isolation, Adam was looking to connect—with others, Brisbane’s community, and something that would allow him to contribute and make a difference during his time here.

“I wasn’t initially planning on volunteering or working when I came to Australia,” Adam explains. “I was mostly focused on studying and exploring, but I really missed my dog back home, a golden doodle named Baxter, and started to feel a little isolated and lonely. So, I started looking for opportunities to volunteer.”

Discovering HPHH
Adam came across HPHH while searching for animal-related volunteer opportunities in Brisbane. After speaking with our team and learning more about what we do, he found himself ready to start in no time. Initially planning to volunteer just one day a week, Adam found himself returning for a second day each week because of the rewarding experience.

“I was really impressed by the facilities at Wacol. I had expected a typical animal shelter, but the environment here was so much more” he said. RSPCA Wacol is in fact RSPCA Queensland’s headquarters so boasts a large campus with a variety of facilities including the Wildlife Hospital, farm animals, reptile room in addition to the number of pens which house the dogs that come through for assessment, rehabilitation and ultimately for adoption in the Adoption Centre.

Adam also commented on the instantaneous warmth and connection he felt from his first shift. “From the moment I arrived, everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable, not just staff, but the participants too,” Adam shares. “The sense of community here is incredible, and the experience has exceeded my expectations.”

Adam was initially hesitant when he first joined HPHH, unsure of how easily he’d be able to build social connections as a newcomer. However, he was surprised how quickly and warmly the participants embraced him, going out of their way to make him feel welcome. He shared how heart-warming it was to see familiar participants outside of sessions on the RSPCA campus, waving to him—small moments that reinforced the genuine bonds he had formed.

“Just having someone call out your name and remember you, being excited to see you – that’s not something you get to experience often in your day-to-day”, Adam said.

Building Connections and favourite moments
Adam’s fun-loving attitude and willingness to engage have made him a favourite among participants. Whether it’s helping with animal care or simply sharing stories about his adventures in Brisbane and beyond, he brings a positive energy to each session.

“I didn’t just want to fill my time—I wanted to do something meaningful,” says Adam. “Volunteering with HPHH has given me that. In the short time I have been here, it’s been amazing to see the participants grow in confidence and connect with the animals with such ease, passion and care.”

For Adam, volunteering at HPHH is more than just a way to spend time with animals. It’s about giving back to a community that’s welcomed him during his stay in Australia. “I’ve learned a lot from this experience. It’s helped me appreciate the power of social connection and the difference it can make for people who may feel isolated. And of course, it’s been a great way to get my ‘dog fix’ while I’ve been away from Max, my pup at home!”

We asked Adam what some of his favourite moments at HPHH have been.

"One of my favourite memories was when a participant, who usually stayed close to their support worker for comfort, chose to pair up with me for an activity instead. It was such a special moment because it showed the connection we’d built over just a few sessions. Seeing them step outside their comfort zone really made the experience meaningful and demonstrated to me the power of the relationships we form in these sessions. It felt like that moment in school where you are chosen first out of the group for the dodgeball team!”

Adam shared that while he initially joined for the animals, once he stepped on campus, he was blown away by the people at HPHH and immediately connected with the organisation's mission and culture.

“The dedication of both the staff and participants is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The combination of working with rescue animals and the group interaction, especially in a shelter setting, is a truly unique way of doing good for the community. What stands out is the reciprocity – everything is mutually beneficial. You can really see how it takes a village to make it all happen, yet the sessions come together so smoothly thanks to the openness of everyone involved and the genuine care for the animals."

We asked Adam what he would say to others looking to volunteer:

“Don’t let feelings of overwhelm prohibit you from taking the opportunity. Initially, I thought there was a lot to be nervous about. However, I’d say just get on campus, meet Lori [HPHH’s People & Capability Team Leader and Volunteering lead], and dive in because you can feel the energy of HPHH from the start”.

“When I also think about who a good fit for this type of volunteering might be, this opportunity can serve any human being, regardless of your trajectory. If you are a student, no matter what field you are in, you will benefit solely from the soft skills that you learn; just meeting people where they are. It opens up your mind and enables you to gain a better understanding of experiences that may differ from your own.” 

To finish, we asked Adam what three words he would use to describe HPHH.

Heart-warming, hopeful and transformative.  

We said goodbye to Adam this week as he concluded his final volunteering session. As he prepares to head back to the U.S. soon, he leaves behind a lasting impact on our team, our participants, and the animals he’s worked with. We’re incredibly grateful for his contributions and wish him well for his travels back home and the remainder of his studies.