Intern Spotlight
Olivia Louie
Winter 2019 Intern
St. Ignatius Class of 2021
If time travel was possible, what year would you travel to?
The idea of traveling back in time has always fascinated me because I find history very interesting. I would like to travel back to the 1800s to see what life was like back then. It would be interesting to see how much technology has evolved from the 1800s to present. Many important innovations and inventions happened in the 1800s and I would like to witness history in the making.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would change the way people treat others because society often looks down on the needy and poor. Often, people feel like they need to fit into a certain stereotype and society judges others on how they act. Everyone should be free to express themselves and not feel judged. It’s ok to go against societal norms and be different.
What is one of your favorite memories or events from HIM?
My favorite event was the Kaiser Half Marathon in February because I met new people and developed new skills. During the Marathon, I worked the coffee booth with five other teenagers. Through talking and working as a team, we all got to know each other a little bit better. Through collaboration and communication, we were able to successfully run the coffee booth. Also, while passing out different coffee flavors to the runners, I was able to practice my public speaking and communication skills. This event was so much fun to volunteer at!
What is your favorite part of volunteering?
My favorite part of volunteering is helping others and making a difference in my community. Even though I’m not receiving any tangible benefits, volunteering makes my heart full. Furthermore, it allows me to feel satisfaction because I am contributing to a better environment. In addition, I love meeting new people from different walks of life and hearing their stories.
How has your experience been working with HIM?
The HIM Internship Program has taught me many skills that are vital to my future such as organization, responsibility, and the importance of communication. Although I am still a teenager, I am learning important job skills and these traits can carry me far in life. Through the HIM Internship Program, I gain real work experience and I have met many other high schoolers through this program. Also, the other interns and officers have been so kind and are always willing to help me, which makes me feel grateful and happy to be an intern. This amazing program helped me become part of something big and impactful.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your life?
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made the, feel.” Instead of telling people what they want to hear, it is better to empathize with others and make them feel special. Although I am not perfect, I strive to be my most authentic self so that I can live life to the fullest.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
If I could eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be salad. Salad is a very healthy meal and it never gets repetitive because I can always put on different toppings. Because the topping variety is endless, salads are the perfect food because it is healthy, tastes good, and never gets dull. Also, I can always substitute my leafy greens for kale, spinach, Romaine, watercress, and etc. In conclusion, salads are perfect sources of vitamin, protein, nutrition, and fiber.
How has HIM affected your life so far?
HIM has helped me become a part of an organization that contributes to society in an impactful way. Because of HIM, I have volunteered at many different events and expanded my knowledge. Also, I have gained many new skills and met different people. The skills I have learned through HIM can be applied to other parts of my life and they will be beneficial in my future. HIM has affected me in many different ways and I am grateful to be a part of this amazing community.
