Our volunteers are a diverse bunch. They come to us from the four corners of the globe, different ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, but the one thing they all share is a desire to help. They are the beating heart of Serve the City. They are dedicated individuals, role models to young people and future leaders. But who are they really? In our volunteer spotlight we introduce you to one of our volunteers and find out some unusual and interesting facts about them.
Let me introduce you to Louis.
Where were you born?
I was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak French and English fluently.
What does STCP mean to you?
Serve the City Paris represents a very concrete way of giving some of my time to others. For the past four years, I have particularly enjoyed supporting refugees who are building a new life in France. Beyond teaching the language, I try to help them understand our culture, our customs and the small everyday codes that can make integration easier. What matters most to me is giving them some of the tools and confidence they need to feel at home here and build a fulfilling life.
When you’re not volunteering, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy sports, travelling and meeting new people. I am naturally curious about people and places, and I really value experiences that allow me to discover different perspectives, cultures and ways of life.
Which person, living or deceased, would you like to share a meal with?
Jesus. I would want to ask him about some of the biggest questions we all face: why we are here, what truly matters in life, and how we can become better human beings. More than simply looking for answers, I would want to understand how to live with greater purpose, compassion and humility.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
For me, perfect happiness is about feeling that you are exactly where you belong. It is about loving the people around you, feeling loved in return, and being able to give some of your time and energy to others. I believe happiness becomes even more meaningful when it is shared.
Which living person do you most admire?
I deeply admire Father Pedro in Madagascar. What inspires me most is the way he has helped people regain not only stability, but also dignity, through work, education and community. He has created much more than a foundation: he has given thousands of people a real opportunity to rebuild their lives and believe in a better future.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sing. Music has an incredible ability to bring people together and create emotion. Unfortunately, at the moment, my singing skills are definitely a work in progress!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
One of the things I am most proud of is the strong bond I share with my family. I am very grateful for the relationship we have built together, based on trust, support and genuine affection. To me, success is not only about what we achieve individually, but also about the relationships we are able to nurture and preserve throughout our lives.
