Celina Kim Chapman

Celina Kim Chapman (she, her, hers) is a Good Shepherd Volunteer working for Good Shepherd Services Anti-Racism and Equity Branch in New York. She recently graduated from St. John's University in Queens, New York, with a bachelor's degree in English and French with minors in fashion and international studies. Her previous work includes being a university writing tutor and interning at the American School of Paris as an ESL/ELL teacher.

By this Author

At the New York Botanical Garden, I was awed at the glorious lilac bush in the hills of daffodils. Hundreds of bees were dancing and humming within the bush, making me feel so small in a world so big. (Courtesy of Maddie Thompson)

A year of embracing growth as a mixed, Korean American woman

Notes from the Field - I could have been working in anti-racism and equity and denied my Korean heritage. I could have given up after every little bump in the road, but life blooms in the most unsuspecting places.

How living simply and intentionally can help you live sustainably

Notes from the Field - Here's a video of how you can continue the Earth Day momentum of appreciating nature and promoting the care of our planet.

(Unsplash/Meadow Marie)

'Life has changed, not ended': Moving forward this Easter season

Notes from the Field: I am not who I was in 2019 or in 2020. So instead of saying, "I wish life was like it was before," I am saying, "I hope life continues to progress forward."

Two young women smiling in a kitchen

Two weeks, two shootings and more anti-Asian hate crimes: What can I do?

Notes from the Field - If working at Good Shepherd Services has taught me anything, it's that we are allowed to feel and have our own thoughts, but we also need to consider the people we represent and our own power at the table.

This is me on top of the mountain, about to snowboard on an intermediate slope. I didn't do any black diamonds, but I feel confident that I can try to do one next time. (Provided photo)

It's all downhill from here: Service-year life and committing to being myself

Notes from the Field - During this year of hibernation, I've struggled to feel what I used to feel — free and autonomous — while being a Good Shepherd Volunteer. Then a weekend with friends shifted my perspective.

This Lent reflection book was given to my Good Shepherd Volunteer community members and me from a Good Shepherd sister. Reading the Bible is one part of my spirituality goals for my service year. (Provided photo)

A Lenten commitment to spirituality after almost a year of lockdown

Notes from the Field - Growing up, I loved Lent — it meant spring was coming. But we are coming to first anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown, and I have been unsure of what to do with Lent this year.

Part of the #justLOVE committee and Celia Ceballos (lower right) in a video talking about our mission that was sent to all Good Shepherd Services employees. (Celina Kim Chapman)

The struggle to find #justLOVE in times of hate

Notes from the Field - February can be a hectic month when working in anti-racism and equity. And amid Black History Month, Lunar New Year and Good Shepherd's #justLOVE Day, viral news showed the need for that work.

Good Shepherd Volunteer Celina Kim Chapman interviews Good Shepherd Services' Celia Ceballos. (GSR screenshot)

What it's like to work in anti-racism and equity

Notes from the Field: Working for Good Shepherd Services' anti-racism and equity department, I'm aiding in dismantling racism and instilling multiculturalism throughout the agency. The following video shows what the work is like.

A sparkler spells out 2021 in the dark.

Seven lessons from a service year to kick off 2021

Notes from the Field - With a new year comes new resolutions. Doing a service year has given me unique insight on making promises.

A film photo of my community and me (left) in the beginning of our service year in August 2020 (Provided photo)

My 2020 path: Choosing service, being done with 'making it through'

Notes from the Field: I cannot comprehend how in one year I graduated university, lived in three different homes and joined Good Shepherd Volunteers. I can't fathom how that all happened during a pandemic.

Snow begins to fall on Bryant Park's ice-skating rink in New York City. (Celina Kim Chapman)

How New York City gave me hope again in 'COVID time'

Notes from the Field - Although the winter brings darker days and colder nights, the warmth and glow of December usually brings the promise that such a season isn't all bad.

Celina, left, and one of her two Good Shepherd Volunteers community members, Elisabeth, on the subway in New York City where they volunteer. (NCR screenshot/Celina Kim Chapman)

A week in the life of a Good Shepherd Volunteer

Notes from the Field - Good Shepherd Volunteers is one of the many service year programs in the United States that is spiritual-based. In New York City, I am anti-racism and equity fellow, working in the support sector of Good Shepherd Services. Thanks for watching my video about my days.