Jakiir Barcinas wants a life of service

Jakiir Barcinas has been part of the Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts’ post Typhoon Soudelor cleanup since the first day. (Contributed Photo)

And this quote could very well sum up Jakiir Barcinas’ present condition after the 16-year-old had been busy doing volunteer work for the past five months now, helping in Saipan’s recovery efforts from Typhoon Soudelor.

“I’ve lost count on how many cleanups that I’ve joined and I’ve been all over the island. I just like serving and helping others in their recovery efforts. I find joy and satisfaction whenever I’m helping people, especially the poor,” Barcinas said.

“That’s the same reason why after graduation I’m entering the U.S. Marine Corps. I want to help people,” added Barcinas, who wants to join humanitarian missions once he finishes with his training.

He again joined Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, representatives from Best Sunshine International, Ltd. and other youth volunteers in another cleanup last Saturday where they covered two areas—Koblerville and Chalan Piao.

He said that their house in Garapan, on the street just across the 13 Fishermen Monument, suffered minimal damage when Soudelor was battering Saipan with only his father’s room having leaks. One of their neighbors, however, wasn’t fortunate and lost their home.

“During the typhoon I helped one of our neighbors whose house was flooded inside. Then after the typhoon, I volunteered with the American Red Cross where we packed relief goods in the warehouse. I learned that one friend of mine was going to volunteer in the cleanup efforts so I decided to join,” added the Marianas High School sophomore.

Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts director Jenny Hegland has praised Barcinas’ commitment and attitude since the first day of the cleanup in October.

“[Saturday] is our 24th cleanup and he’s been helping us since Day 1. That’s why I specially mentioned him during CARE’s [Tuesday] meeting. He never missed one even though he doesn’t have his own car, that’s why either me or someone from the group always picks him up,” added Hegland.

Barcinas, who’ll be graduating in 2018, said he would start his basic training at the CNMI Army Reserve Center in Puerto Rico before moving to Guam for another three months of training where he would then await his deployment.

Barcinas is a member of MHS’ Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps with the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. He is also the commander for the Dolphins’ Exhibition Drill Team.