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 Max.
Where were you born?
I was born in White Plains, a town near New York City.
What language(s) do you speak?
I’m fluent in French and English and know a tiny bit of Spanish.
What does STCP mean to you?
Primarily, STCP gave me a way to help people in need, provide them with a community and, at least in the case of the football team, offer them an escape from the stress of everyday life and chance to play the sport that they love. It also allowed me to meet and become friends with great people from around the world.
When you’re not volunteering, how do you spend your time?
I love sports so I’ll often be at the gym or playing basketball, football or some other sport with my friends. I also have a dog so I spend lots of time hanging out with him and walking him around the city.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favourite hobby is definitely tennis. I’ve played since I was 5 and have never gotten tired of it. Even though it can be frustrating sometimes, I love how it challenges you mentally and physically.
What is your favorite meal?
It’s hard to pick but I’d probably say Thai red curry with sticky rice. I often have it with my family on the weekend so it brings back good family memories.
With which person living or deceased would you like to eat that meal?
I’d love to share that meal with my 2 older brothers. We rarely see each other nowadays because we live in different places but it would be fun to have that meal again together like old times.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is when I’m in the mountains either skiing or hiking, the views and sounds of the mountains are so peaceful and beautiful.
Which living person do you most admire?
Not original but definitely my mom. Raising three boys must have been incredibly chaotic and difficult. My dad definitely helped but she was home taking care of most of the annoying parts so I can’t imagine how hard it was yet she was always kind and raised us well.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d love to be better at football. I really like the sport but am not very good at it. Just being 5% better would be great.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This might sound like a bit of a funny achievement, but it was getting to the final of intramural flag football with my friends in college when none of us had ever played that sport before. We made so many great memories and it really strengthened our friendship.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
It would be cool to come back as a dog living in a caring family. Hanging out at home with the family, going for walks and runs sounds like a good life.
