Why I Volunteer – Paula

paulaI have been volunteering at the Y for almost 3 ½ years. I enjoy working at the Front Desk and greeting our current and prospective members. I especially enjoy watching our youngest members grow—from arriving in Mommy’s arms, to walking, talking, and running up to me when they see me in the local supermarket to tell me that they just celebrated another birthday, what they did that day, and what they are learning in pre-school. They are all so precious.

As a cancer survivor myself, I find it very rewarding to interview participants for our LIVESTRONG program for cancer survivors. I have met so many amazing people through this process. I am especially gratified when participants tell me that they appreciate being interviewed by a “fellow survivor”, since I know, first hand, what it is like.

Volunteering at the Y was my retirement gift to myself and, I can honestly say that it is one of the best gifts I have ever received!