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KOM is proud to celebrate volunteers who make a meaningful difference in our community. The following reflection is from a volunteer whose courage, perseverance, and dedication to serving others have left a lasting impact. Despite facing significant personal challenges, they have continued to give their time and talents to support our community every week for over a year. We are honored to share their words below.
Reflection from our volunteer
Drawing from my experience, I want to encourage our youth and young people that you matter. You are the hope of the world. Your community needs you. Your family needs you. Whatever situation you are in. I understand things can be tough. When life gets tough we tend to distance ourselves from the community, but it’s important to draw yourself closer and come back. If you feel worthless or like you are helpless, just come back to the community because they need you.
When I lost my vision, when the doctor told me on top of all the other incurable eye conditions I have that I was diagnosed with glaucoma, I was devastated. I lost my confidence and independence. But I realized I didn’t want to be in the same place in the next ten years. I got up. It takes courage to get up and I did.
This experience has not only given me joy but also fulfillment in that someone out there needs me and their needs are greater than mine. I may be struggling but I can help others as well.
To be honest and straight up, my whole goal volunteering with KOM was that I graduated from college and I didn’t want my education to go to waste. I felt lost after losing my vision. I joined KOM for connection and networking to build my resume so when I’m ready to go back to work my resume is not dry and I had something there and there’s no gap.
Whatever situation I’m in, as long as I am doing something, even though it is small, I feel great and like I belong.
Volunteers give back through KOM
Our volunteers at KOM are helping build a more equitable society. They provide job interview practice for our adult career training students, mentorship for our youth after school, interpretation and language access for our walk-in clients, and so much more.
“Each volunteer who connects with us, whether they give 2 hours of their time or 200 hours, is a reflection of the compassionate spirit we have here in Minnesota,” shares Suzanne Olive, KOM Volunteer & Communications Lead. “I’m honored to be a piece in the bridge that brings people together from different backgrounds, and reconnects others to give back to their own community.” See how you can get connected here.
Pictured at the top of this article: Volunteers prepare for a mock interview session with our adult career pathways programs, led by two of our KOM staff.
