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 Naomi.
Where were you born?
I was born just outside London, in England.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English natively, and I’ve learned French and Spanish.
What does STCP mean to you?
STCP means the world to me! It’s been the way I found a real community here in Paris and got to meet lots of new people from all walks of life. Moving abroad has had its ups and downs but STCP is always the highlight of my week, it feels really good to do something meaningful with my time and to be part of my community.
When you’re not volunteering, how do you spend your time?
I work as a physicist in Paris. I’ve loved getting to know the city, through the museums, parks and cinemas (I love horror movies!), and learning French.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love music – I often sing in choirs and play the flute in orchestras.
What is your favorite meal?
I’m vegetarian, and I eat a lot of tofu. I love pizza, which I have every week after language exchange! My favourite French meal is onion soup.
With which person living or deceased would you like to eat that meal?
I’d love to see what science fiction writers like H. G. Wells or Rod Serling think of the world today, or Jane Austen.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Like most volunteers at STCP, nothing makes me happier than being able to help other people.
Which living person do you most admire?
I admire people who are honest, principled, and kind. I know many people like that personally, who I admire greatly. I once had a colleague at a physics startup who left to do a civil service job, less well paid and less glamorous, because he felt that he would make a bigger impact on a social problem he cared deeply about. I admire that decision greatly and I often think about it!
Which talent would you most like to have?
I can play music well off of sheet music but I wish I could improvise! I’m very jealous of people that can just pick up an instrument and jam.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting a PhD was a very special moment for me. I’ve also worked a lot on my mental health which I’m really proud of.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I love swimming, I’d like to come back as a whale or dolphin and spend my time in the ocean.
