Officer Spotlight

Wendy Tam

Development Specialist

South City HS

Class of 2018

Why did you start volunteering with HIM?

When I first received the link to Heart in Motion from a long lost friend on Facebook, I thought this friend was pranking me. Little did I know, it was actually a link that changed my life. I'm not trying to sound cheesy or anything, but Heart In Motion has truly been life changing. Here's how, in the year 2014, I would say this year was the most difficult time of my life. I was going through depression and isolating myself from the outside world because the atmosphere at home had stripped away my self-worth and self-esteem. My mom was undergoing a disease known as Schizophrenia when I felt that she no longer loved me. Although I felt this way, I tried to talk to my mom or tried to take on the role of a home caretaker because I really wanted my mom to be normal again, but there was no sign of appreciation in return whatsoever. I felt that my effort was useless and everything I did was futile. When I first received an invite to join Heart In Motion, it was the first time in awhile that I had the courage to try and help the people around me again. I was ready for more disappointment but at the same time I had no idea what to expect. I was really trying to rediscover my self-value and confidence that I am able to make a difference in someone's life even if I couldn't for my mom.

What is one of your favorite memories or events from HIM?

My favorite event would be the first event I volunteered at. It is the SF Aids Walk. This day and the event means a lot to me because the event was charity for the treatment of yet another disease that exists in human nature. Being able to help at an event that would potentially earn funds to save lives meant a lot to me because it could have been a walk for Schizophrenia. Though it wasn't, it felt good that my time volunteering was what made saving victims with AIDS possible. This was the event where I realized that some things cannot be, but there are always things that can be.

How has your experience been working with HIM?

I love volunteering with Heart In Motion because it gives a different perspective in life. Every time I volunteer, I am reminded of why it is so important. Simply through volunteering, multiple lives can be saved. Not only that, but assisting others at an event can put a smile on someone’s face and make someone's day that much brighter in a split second. Seeing smiles is what continually motivates me to volunteer with Heart In Motion, even if I am busy with all other curricular.

What's your favorite part about volunteering with HIM?

At almost every event with HIM, it is a very interactive experience. We are encouraged to talk to people of all ages face to face, sometimes being able to make causal conversations as if we've been best friends for forever. Sometimes, a causal conversation can make someone, say who's lonely, feel friended. The world is our friend and not our enemy, so every one deserves love, and that's one thing that Heart In Motion allows their volunteers to do.