Volunteer Spotlight

Kathy Ly

Volunteer

Washington

Class of 2020

How has community service impacted your life?

The first community service I could recall was San Francisco Giant Sweep 2014. The activity allowed me to collaborate with different people from all over the city, which played a major role in my life. It was a passion that I never thought I'd enjoy-- helping the community. These activities not only helped me find my passion, but it allowed me to build self-confidence.

When did you start volunteering with Heart In Motion?

I started volunteering with Heart in Motion around late September. My friends, Jessie, Anthony, Jonathan and John persuaded me into joining Heart in Motion, but I was hesitant and wasn't sure if I was willing to go through with it. There were many other volunteering opportunities within my school, but I decided to give Heart in Motion a go.

Why did you start volunteering with HIM?

My first event with Heart in Motion was just an experiment to see if Heart in Motion was suitable for me. On my first event, I was shy and scared of what was to come--I did not know anyone. However, a kind stranger greeted me with a pleasant smile, asking to be my partner. The people there really made me feel comfortable and at-home. After that event, I knew for a fact that I was going to love Heart in Motion.

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

My favorite memory is not so much as a memory, it was more of an impression. It happened on my very first event in Heart in Motion. As I previously mentioned, a stranger asked me to be my partner. I think he is one of the main reasons why I am still in Heart in Motion. Without him, I think I would've sat quietly, alone.

Which events did you enjoy the most? Why?

One of my favorite events from Heart in Motion was the SF VS. BIG SODA. It was one of my first events and it was also my favorite. I enjoyed it because of the positivity everyone gave and all the warm smiles. The event itself was tiring, but I partnered up with one of the staffs-- they made every second of it, fun.

Have you volunteered with other community service organizations? How are they different from HIM?

I have volunteered for the San Francisco Giant Sweep, an organization set out to clean the streets of San Francisco. Although they have many similarities, Heart in Motion allows all types of community services such as community care, community outreach, and community clean ups. The San Francisco Giant Sweep focused mainly on cleaning up the city, not so much as helping different prospects of the community.

How has your experience been working with HIM?

If I had to explain my experience working with Heart in Motion in a comic book. I would've filled the pages with one word, wow. Every event I attend and every person I have met just expands my fondness of Heart in Motion. I've had the best times of my life, knowing that I am helping out the community and meeting others along the process!

What are your favorite hobbies?

I have very many hobbies, listing them in order would be: softball, gaming, math, volunteering, badminton, and I enjoy getting myself out there, and to me, Heart in Motion is a great way to do that.

What's your favorite part about volunteering with HIM?

Every time I came to an event at Heart in Motion, I was able to meet new people from all over the city and they were all friendly and outgoing. Most of the time, I was being greeted first-- as I thought it wouldn't happen (I grew up in a shy environment). Overall my favorite part about going to an event was the people.