Volu
nteer Position: Family Coordinator
Occupation: Elementary Teacher
Years Served at TRUE Mentors: 1
I first learned about TRUE Mentors at the Chili Cook-off in 2016. I have always wanted to volunteer in Hoboken, but I was never able to commit to anything due to other obligations. A few months later I attended a TRUE Mentors fundraiser and learned more about the various volunteer opportunities that fit with my schedule. As a teacher, I am obviously passionate about children, and TRUE Mentors offered the perfect opportunity to volunteer.
I am one of the Mentee Interviewers. My job is to interview children interested in having a mentor. I also meet once a month with the Matching Team to identify strong matches for mentors and mentees. My favorite part about serving on the matching team is how exciting it is when you are able to make a great match between mentee and mentor.
My favorite TRUE Mentors moment happened this year when I volunteered at the Chili Cook-off and met so many TRUE Mentors volunteers. I think it was then that I realized just how large this incredible organization is. I’m always in awe of those who take the time to volunteer.
Being a part of the TRUE Mentors community has rewarded me in so many ways. I have lived in Hoboken for 6 years, but work on Long Island, and don’t really feel connected to my community. Volunteering provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Even with a busy schedule, one can always find the time to give back to their community and help someone out. I think one of the biggest barriers to volunteering is the perceived lack of time, but TRUE Mentors offers so many programs for volunteers to get involved.
Favorite Book: My favorite book is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I love anything by Jodi Picoult!
Favorite Movie: My favorite movie is Grease.
Favorite Quote: I have so many favorite quotes. I actually write a daily quote, typically about kindness, each day on my whiteboard in my classroom. One of my favorites is
“Be Somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”