“High Hopes is Another Chapter” for Volunteer Marc Soutra
A few years ago, retired high school teacher Marc Soutra “accidentally” found a flyer at the Waterford Library calling for people to come volunteer at High Hopes. Marc was going through a tough time in his life; a huge hole had been created as he transitioned into retirement. He missed doing something that made a difference in people’s lives. When he saw the flyer, he was intrigued but, with low confidence at the time, felt he was unable to do it. His family stood by him and encouraged him to reach out and use this as an opportunity to make a difference. With his family’s support and Marc’s inspiring mindset that “people should do something greater than themselves,” Marc joined High Hopes as a volunteer.
Marc primarily sidewalks with many participants of different ages. He enjoys working with all ages, but especially loves working with young participants in their teens and 20’s. He admires their energy and spirit. Currently, Marc is even considering returning to his inner teacher and helping with lessons. He loves making a difference, being around animals, and teaching. High Hopes brings these all together for him. “It’s the perfect blend. I don’t understand why more people don’t do this.”
Marc is a true believer in the relationship between humans and animals. He has done quite a bit of horseback riding and was drawn to the way human-to-animal relationships, especially with horses, made him feel. High Hopes brings together a mix of horses, people, and a peaceful environment, where the staff, horses, and volunteers are there to make a difference in the world. “Just being here is like an oasis to me. It makes me feel good and joyful. I feel at peace. When I leave, I feel better than when I arrived. High Hopes addresses the mind and body.”
Marc rode horses for seven years with a friend who was an equestrian teacher and owned a farm. He mostly rode western-style. But his wildest and memorable experience riding a horse happened when he was teaching in China. He and his class had stopped at a dirt arena where a movie was being filmed. The scene involved multiple people riding bareback on gorgeous black stallions. One of the riders rode over and asked if anyone knew how to ride horses. His students urged Marc to speak up. He was then brought onto the horse, and the stallion took off around the arena at a full gallop. “This was an experience of a lifetime. There was nothing like it.”
While Marc was reminiscing, he was asked about his experiences and memories while volunteering at High Hopes. With a smile, he talked about meeting the Scotella family. Marc currently sidewalks with Matthew Scotella and enjoys coming in every Friday to see the family and work with Matthew in the arena. These experiences and memories, like working with the Scotella family, have impacted Marc on a deeper personal level. He feels renewed and brought back to life by the kind of work High Hopes does. Marc expressed how he doesn’t see disabilities but rather differences. “Everyone has their own differences. There is nothing wrong with that. It makes you who you are.” This mindset has greatly improved his empathy over the past few years.
Vixen, now retired, was the first horse Marc had the pleasure of working with. “She was an amazing horse. You always remember your first horse.” While this wasn’t his first horse he had been around in his life, it was the first horse he had an interaction with at High Hopes, and it was truly amazing for him. His time volunteering and working with horses has taught him more about horses and how to care for them.
Marc wishes to see High Hopes continue broadening its reach in the community and providing more of the wonderful benefits High Hopes offers. It needs to be experienced and shared with more people. “It’s like a refuge for so many people. Everyone benefits from High Hopes.”
Since volunteering at High Hopes, Marc has filled the hole in his life, and his confidence has greatly improved, as he is helping people once again. In retirement, Marc loves to read and goes out on his boat in the summer with friends and family. He is also writing a memoir about his time teaching. “High Hopes is another chapter; my story isn’t over.”