How long have you been volunteering and what led you to want to volunteer? 

For the past few years, I have been volunteering with a few organizations including Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and ReEstablish Richmond. I want to make an impact on other people’s lives, specifically individuals who need resources on how to better their career path. Volunteering helps those in need and donating my time is equally rewarding for me.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

By working with these organizations, I can gain more opportunities to utilize my background and skillsets to help others. My favorite part about volunteering is teaching and coaching others to learn something new. I taught as a professor for a personal finance class which helped student immigrants gain knowledge and skills on how to budget their money. I was able to share my firsthand experiences, give resume advice, conduct mock interviews, and help with internship and job searching. Having been in their shoes, I know this is helpful, especially for first-generation college students who cannot lean on their parents for advice. 

What drives you to help your community and what does it mean to you?

Years ago, when I came to the United States for my graduate studies, I faced several challenges. Everything was completely new to me, the language, culture, lifestyle, school, you name it, but there were little resources for me to rely on for help. Being able to help others is what motivates me, so they can be prepared to overcome challenges. It is such a rewarding feeling, hearing the students' excitement and hearing how grateful they are for learning something new. It makes me happy knowing I am making a difference in their lives.

What advice would you give others who are interested in volunteering but don't know where to start?

My advice is to start proactively looking for volunteer opportunities, search the internet, or talk to your peers and colleagues. Once you find an organization that you are interested in, reach out to them. You may need to sacrifice some of your own time, but the joy and rewards you receive in return will last you a lifetime. 

How long have you been volunteering and what led you to want to volunteer?

I volunteered with multiple organizations over the past few years, including the Varina Athletic Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Center of Excellence (Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Hospital), and the Veterans War Memorial. To spend more time with my children and to give back to the community I started coaching youth sports. As a Veteran, it brings me joy to donate my time to organizations that focus on helping Veterans.

What dries you to help your community and what does it mean to you?

There is a great need for service and compassion in our communities and our nation. Volunteering is a compassionate and humbling experience, and it is an excellent example of how we show empathy as a company and live our One Dominion Energy Values. It makes me proud that our company gets recognized for giving back and bringing real change to our communities.

What is your favorite part about volunteering and what advice would you give to someone who does not know how to start?

For me, it is seeing the joy on the faces of the people I am serving. I have noticed that the little time and effort you give back can make more of a difference than you think. In addition to my volunteer time, I serve in the Army Reserve. The impact I leave on our nation is truly one of my greatest joys in life.

To anyone who wants to start volunteering, just start small. It does take some coordination and a little dedication; however, the small, honorable deeds have exponential value to members of our community.