Intern Spotlight
Joey Wang
Intern Sum '17
Wallenberg
Class of 2020
If time travel was possible, what year would you travel to? If I could time travel, I would go back to 2010 when Disney Channel had shows like Wizards of Waverly Place and The suite Life on Deck so I can rewatch it again. Maybe I'll visit myself to give advice and see what I was like before middle school.
If you has the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would get rid human pollution because all the junk from humans is damaging our home planet and preserve future generations to save lives.
What is one of your favorite memories or events from HIM?
Since it's very difficult to choose only one of my favorite memories, my favorite event would be the Nihonmachi Street Fair Event. My friend and I were assigned to the small bouncy castle and we decided to "test out" the bouncy castle by going in before the event was open. We even offered to let events managers in and they did! After they were done, we realized that the bouncy castle shifted on the street so we had to fix it back. Thanks to them, we spotted a problem and we were able to fix it back without a problem. After the event was open, we had to monitor the kids that were inside the castle also. They were screaming with joy when I stole some plastic balls from the other stand. It was a pretty good day.
What is your favorite part of volunteering?
In my opinion, the best part about volunteering is doing it alongside with friends because it's fun that way! Overall, receiving thanks for volunteering motivates me to do more in future events. Just the satisfaction of getting something done is the real heart of volunteering.
How has your experience been working with HIM?
My experience working with HIM has been great so far. I was able to learn many technical skills such as organizing events and using google docs which would come in handy at an office. When volunteering, I get to travel in different parts of San Francisco where I barely go. I get to meet interesting people over the course of working in Heart in Motion which is a bonus.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your life?
A valuable lesson I learned was from my coach in dragonboat. It was around the beginning of the year when I had multiple sports to practice and projects that were due. I stopped going to practices because I had constant work day after day. Even for a long period of time, I've been going on life with 5 hours of sleep and my friends didn't know about it because it was something I feel that I have to deal with alone. My coach contacted me one day and I just spilled excuses after excuses each week. Even looking back at the text makes me cringe but my coach understood the circumstance. He told me to take a break or take some work off your plate before I burn out. I quitted several classes afterwards. As time rolled by, I took time to find myself. I know, it's a cheesy line but all the stress would take a toll on you. Trust me, I've been there.
What is your favorite TV show and character?
My favorite TV show would be Wizards of Waverly place because the TV show was just the right balance of magic and comedy. My friends introduced the show when I was little and I became a fan every since. If I can relate to a character in Wizards of Waverly place, it would be Harper because I love her personality and she's the only side character without magic. I really hope they make a reunion someday.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
I know it's not healthy, but if I can I eat one food for the rest of my life it would be French Fries. Haha I'm an addict of French Fries because I just can't get enough of it. I would always try to make some at home but it would turn out burnt or mush.
What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
One of my favorite childhood memories is seeing snow for the first time when I was in 2nd grade. It was my Christmas wish to see snow because I can't really imagine a place covered with snowflakes or ice. My parents decided to go vacation at Lake Tahoe around spring when the climates are a bit warmer and less dangerous. I remember the excitement of climbing out of he car with my friends and family. We built snowmans and slid down slopes. And I remember most vividly, when my friend's snarky brother pour ice down my back.
How has HIM affected your life so far?
Heart in Motion has affected my life in many ways. I've never volunteered before which is nerve wrecking when I know nothing about it. Over the course of time I became use to this system and I couldn't ask for more. I've strengthened my skills such as speech and team work because it's crucial to speak from your mind which pushed me to sign up at the Internship Program. I met so many new people around my age which I wouldn't have if it weren't for this organization. Overall, Heart in Motion made me stronger as a person and encourage me to volunteer as often as I can.