Volunteer Teaching
Most of the time during a workweek as a software engineer, I am “head-down” grinding on software (planning, collaborating, building, maintaining, meeting, researching), sometimes fighting fires. I love architecting, developing, and maintaining software — enjoy this grind, the challenges — but, as with most jobs, there are some stresses to be managed.
One activity I have been trying to make time for the last three years is volunteer teaching 1–2 hours per week. I started this because it was encouraged by my employer, Salesforce #dreamjob (https://www.salesforce.org/pledge-1/). Specifically, I have been helping the teachers in our local community. Usually, the help involves preparing teaching materials, organizing class materials, or working with a subset of kids who need extra instruction. I especially enjoy it when I can help teach kids Math.
It’s true that you, the volunteer, reap many (unexpected) benefits of volunteering. The biggest reward for me is helping a kid jump over a hurdle in learning a concept. Often, kids will start guessing at answers or take shortcuts. After the practice and explaining it from a few different angles, you see the “light bulb” go on when they “get it.”. Then you see their feeling of accomplishment across their face. Even though it’s just an hour or two per week, this feeling of helping a kid learn a fundamental can positively push me in a week. It can help put things into perspective.
Another personal benefit of volunteering is relationships. My kids go to this elementary school, so I get to know the teachers a little more. The students don’t ever call me by my name but instead call me “Evan’s Dad” or “Adriana’s Dad,” which is neat, and my kids seem to like. You feel a little more connected to the place you call home.
I share this because it’s something that has added value to my life personally by helping teachers and students in our community. It feels good. I hope you will consider taking some time to volunteer in your town because you might discover the same benefits.
