Michelle Yang, BC PULSE Student volunteer
At Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly, we have a Highlight of the Week series where we shine a spotlight on members of the LBFE community including board members, older adults, volunteers, students, staff, CitySites (and more!) to learn about them and their experiences with LBFE. This week’s highlight is of one of our previous Boston College PULSE student volunteers, Michelle Yang. Read on to learn more about Michelle’s background and experiences with LBFE:
Michelle Wang enjoys the elderly. She began volunteering at a Walpole Massachusetts nursing home as a freshman in high school to satisfy requirements for her membership in the National Honor Society. She continued visiting because she grew to love the people.
As a sophomore at Boston College this past year, she again found herself spending time with seniors, this time in conjunction with a class called PULSE. She worked at several Little Brothers CitySites around the Boston area, helped plan holiday activities, do art, and just spend time with the residents. In addition, she was paired with a senior, Louise, for a one-on-one relationship. After her class obligations were fulfilled she stopped working at the sites, but has continued to visit with Louise, who lives near BC.
The relationships she has built with her elders are mutually beneficial. She spends time with them, alleviating some of their loneliness and they, in turn, share their stories, give her affirmation and show interest in her life. In other words, they’ve become friends. Michelle values the quiet time with Louise, away from the hectic pace at school.
Michelle lauds Little Brothers for hosting so many events and giving seniors a chance to socialize. When asked where she sees needs, Michelle spoke of the lack of volunteers who speak other languages, specifically Cantonese. This detriment leaves some elders unable to participate fully in programs.
Currently, Michelle is interning with Fidelity Investments. She hopes to pursue a career in finance locally with a company committed to outreach in the community. We hope to have her around Little Brothers for some time, perhaps joined by her brother, who is currently volunteering with elders at the same nursing home where she began.
Remember to check out next week’s blog to see who will be highlighted then!
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