Appreciating our valley鈥檚 volunteers: Yasmin Guerrero with SOS Outreach
National Volunteer Appreciation Week is Apr. 21-27
SOS Outreach/Courtesy photo
Editor’s Note: Vail Daily is recognizing the amazing volunteers in our valley during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. If you would like to get involved, seek out various volunteer opportunities in GIVE magazine, which can be found on local newsstands.
Q: What made you decide to volunteer with SOS Outreach?
A: The reason I decided to volunteer for SOS Outreach is because my mom put my siblings and I in the program as kids. I was in third grade when I started the program, and since I had such a great experience in the program as a kid I thought it would be nice if I could try and give that experience to other kids in my community, too.
Q: Did you have any type of background that led you to this volunteer opportunity?
A: The only reason I know how to snowboard is because of SOS Outreach, my siblings and I were fortunate enough to grow up in this beautiful valley, and SOS gave us the opportunity to explore what it has to offer. If it weren’t for SOS, my mom wouldn’t have been able to pay for three kids to go to ski lessons.
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Q: What changes do you see in those you help? How does it feel when they have an “ah-ha” moment or a breakthrough in what they are learning?
A: The biggest change I’ve seen in the youth in my groups over the last three years is when they finally start to feel welcomed and like they are a part of something is when I see them start to open up, chat and to some extent roast me a little.
Q: What changes have you seen in yourself after volunteering? What do you notice about yourself, what do you notice about our community?
A: Now coming back as a mentor, I’ve had moments where I have to try and find conversation starters and ways to get everyone to talk. In the past, and as a kid, I would always hope for someone to start conversations with me, so now that I have learned to throw myself out there, it’s a lot easier to make connections with not only the kids but other people in my community. Being part of SOS Outreach has shown me that there is always a community for you. Like Fernanda, SOS alumni liaison, said, “no matter where you go you’ll find a community with SOS.”
Q: What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer (any kind of volunteer?) What advice do you have?
A: The only piece of advice I have is don’t be afraid to throw yourself out there. The SOS Outreach community makes you feel welcome and someone will always have you laughing.
