All it took was a split second. As we stood outside the bustling Radio Plus building we debated whether or not to go in- would i be worth it? Do you think we’ll even be allowed in? Well, might as well give it a shot, we’re here right? We walk up the steps wondering, then waiting, and finally meeting Hans Offman.
One word: Energy. Look it up in the dictionary and there should be a picture of Hans. As soon as he walked into the room to greet us, there was no doubt of his electric and energetic personality. He eagerly guided us through a tour of the building that involved meeting everyone from the directors, to Radio DJ’s, to interns. The standard introduction went like this, “They’re Americans! They know Obama!” Alright, half true, we’ll take it.
The “brief” tour quickly transformed into a whirlwind of action, as we found ourselves on air cheering for an ELI Africa shout out by the radio DJ. But it didn’t end there–soon Vedant was on air chatting with Hans in an impromptu interview about ELI Africa and the Chase Community Giving Contest. I still cannot believe how it all fell together, thanks to the incredible efforts of our man Hans.
I asked the fellows for one adjective to describe Hans. Here is a list of what they came up with:
Sarah: Extrovert (to say the least)
Emily: Enthusiastic (what a smile)
Vedant: Kinergy (Kindness + Energy= Kinergy)
Again I am reminded of the benevolence in others, how wonderful and caring they can be and their eagerness to help those around them. If it’s not Hans from Radio Plus giving us on air shout outs then it’s the ELI Africa volunteers who help us gather votes grass roots style. Their generosity of spirit pervades every corner of the island.