Get to Know a Volunteer: Geraldine Connolly
1) What inspired you to begin volunteering for Circle of Care?
I was inspired to begin volunteering for Circle of Care because I felt that the elderly are forgotten by society and I hated the thought of people being lonely.
2) Is there a specific moment you recall while volunteering that made you feel like you made a real difference?
Yes. I volunteer with the Phone Pals program, and one day, my phone pal told me, “Getting a phone call from a friend can make all the difference.”
3) Has volunteering changed your outlook in any way?
Volunteering has given me a greater understanding of aging. It’s also made me more aware of the things we take for granted, like our health and mobility.
4) What makes a good volunteer?
You should be interested in what the organization is working for – whether it’s caring for the elderly, homelessness, youth, mental health, animal shelters, etc., you have to be interested in their cause. The more interested you are in the issue, the more likely you’ll stay involved.
5) What advice would you give to someone who is considering a volunteer position?
Choose an area you feel passionate about. And start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much at first, or you’ll soon find yourself in over your head.
6) What are your interests outside of volunteering?
Reading, entrepreneurship, travel, and exercise.
7) Do you have any words to live by?
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs
8) What is the most recent book you read?
“Why We Sleep,” by Mathew Walker.
9) Where is “home”?
Ireland!
10) Chocolate or Vanilla?
Neither, actually. I’m a peanut butter fan.
