How Traveling Stories continues to impact one Volunteer years later
When Po Lin joined the Traveling Stories team as an intern it was 2014 and the organization was operating out of study rooms at the San Diego Public Library.
Born in Taiwan, Po was at student at the University of San Diego when he found Traveling Stories. He started volunteering to get more hands-on experience with a nonprofit. Now, Po is back in Taiwan and he continues to be involved with philanthropy and community work. We caught up with him recently to ask if his time with Traveling Stories had provided any benefit that continues to help him now. Here’s what Po shared with us!
TS: What was your volunteer experience with Traveling Stories like?
PL: My experience with Traveling Stories has been so eye-opening and heart-lifting. Seeing the kids at Story Tent being motivated to read, and carefully select their choice of purchase with their self-earned Book Bucks have been so inspiring. Not only are the kids acquiring real life applicable skills like comprehending literal information and financial management, the fact that they are doing it for themselves brings joy to my heart. Also, Story Tent fostering trust, humanity and conversations within various communities is one of the most precious assets our society has.
TS: How has Traveling Stories helped you fulfill your dreams?
PL: Traveling Stories has helped me gain an understanding on how we can solve problems in our communities through simple tools, cooperative efforts and collaborative teamwork. I am now working in a team in Taiwan where we mobilize elders to volunteer and serve their local communities. I realized that elders, especially after retirement, are searching ways to contribute and be of values. Instead of framing elders to be dependent and of cost to the society, we are reframing the perspective that elders have valuable life experience and can contribute to the growth of society by sharing their stories and experiences, and serving their communities.
QA: In what ways has Traveling Stories personally impacted you?
PL: Aside from my professional growth, I had a lot of fun working with Traveling Stories! The founder Emily is so energetic, charismatic and kind. Each time I am in a meeting or at Story Tent, I feel respected and valued. It is also interesting to see how each kid has such a distinct personality. Some are timid. Some are goofy. Even some are negotiators on how much they read to receive Book Bucks (I had to be so firm to ensure the same opportunity for all). I had a lot of fun working with the kids, volunteers and staff of Traveling Stories.
TS: Share a memorable moment from your time with Traveling Stories.
PL: One time I was helping out at a Traveling Stories event that took place at a bistro. I was able to strike up a conversation with the manager there, and shared about what Traveling Stories does for the community. Eventually, the conversation led to a partnership between the bistro and Traveling Stories. We had a special Happy Hour with Story Tent at the bistro where parents could take their kids to read while the parents can enjoy a drink. The bistro gained more business traction. The kids received learning and benefits from Story Tent while the parents can relax and have a drink. A percentage of the proceeds at the Happy Hour donated to Traveling Stories. It was a triple win! Knowing that I bridged a mutually beneficial partnership as a young college student, also that it started from a conversation and standing in others' perspectives, it was extremely encouraging. It gave me the confidence to navigate in the field of both nonprofit and business.
TS: If you were talking to a potential volunteer about Traveling Stories, what would you say to them?
PL: I would highly recommend Traveling Stories as your choice of volunteering if you have the desire to create a positive impact in your communities. It is also super fun to work with kids from diverse backgrounds. It is like a global village at Story Tent. Seeing the confidence, joy and smiles grow on the children's face is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had. And knowing that with my time and presence, I am helping the future generation outsmarting poverty one book at a time.