Developing New Skills

What was one new skill you learned or developed as a volunteer?

Kerry Conroy, Christian Brothers Lay Volunteer Program, New York City, NY

I learned to open my mind a lot further than ever before.  I also learned to make no judgments when you don't know the whole story.  You never know where another person has come from or where they are going.  On a more practical note, I learned how to run retreats, how to get kids attention, and how to get their respect.  You must always respect and relate first in order to expect the same.

Christy Williamson, Farm of the Child, Trujillo, Honduras

I can only list one? That is quite a challenge! It’s too easy to say that I learned to speak a foreign language.  I would rather say that I learned the importance of developing deep relationships.  I learned that time with one another is priceless. I learned that in order to become a better person, it is important to surround yourself with people who are going to build you up as a person and challenge you to grow.

Mara Dorsch, Jesuit Volunteer Corps-Southwest, Mobile, AL

One skill that I developed while a volunteer was approaching people when I was having a problem with them.  Even though it is still hard to do, I see the value in it.  I had to approach one community member in particular during my volunteer year.  I was very scared to do it because this person was intimidating but the outcome was well worth it.  Things began to improve.

Sue Marble Cuthbert, Jesuit Volunteers International, Tacna, Peru

Accompaniment: I think I was always a good friend to people, even before I left the states at age 21.  But when a friend had a problem, I wanted to help solve it.  I learned in Peru that you can't always solve problems.  But being there for someone, listening to their pain, accompanying them through a difficult times is what really matters.