Here at Matheny, we are so grateful to our many volunteers who have given of their time and talents to support our clients, events, and special projects. There is so much we couldn’t have achieved without their tremendous support!
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25), we are highlighting some of our outstanding volunteers and their specific contributions. Below you can find the interview with our first Spotlight Volunteer: Anshini Biswas.
We recently sat down with Anshini Biswas, a local student and current weekend volunteer at Matheny. Anshini volunteers with Matheny’s Life Enrichment Therapy programs, assisting staff with recreational activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The recreation therapy program encourages development of leisure, social, and community skills through purposeful leisure activities and community trips.
What inspired you to start volunteering at Matheny, and what drew you specifically to Life Enrichment Therapies?
Anshini: My inspiration for volunteering at Matheny comes from wanting a place to spend time that is going to be beneficial both now and in the future. For me, the desire to help others has always been a driving force in my life; however, it has never been limited to just volunteering and has primarily involved doing things that only require an individual’s time and effort. What attracted me to Life Enrichment Therapy was its creativity and interactivity than most types of volunteer programs offer to participants, along with helping connect participants through activities such as art, music, and movement. I want both the participant and me, as a volunteer, to feel that we have formed a bond during our time together.
What has surprised you most about your experience so far?
A: I’m amazed at how soon I was able to adapt and feel included; the friendly, encouraging atmosphere contributed to my adaptation rather quickly because I thought I would initially have feelings of anxiety and/or uncertainty. Moreover, I was surprised by the number of ways in which everyone expressed communication among themselves individually, so even without sounds, you could still easily communicate feelings, laughter, and personality, which has really changed my perspective on communication.
Can you share a moment that stood out to you or made you feel especially connected to the residents?
A: I remember an occasion when I was assisting with an activity, and one of the participants smiled and responded in a very positive way to something small I did for them, such as playing music they liked and providing support with a task. While this was not a very large moment, it was still meaningful to me because it was easy to see that this person was truly happy. The experience strengthened my connection to the person and demonstrated how even small actions can have a very big influence on someone’s day.
What have you learned from the people you’ve worked with?
A: Patience, empathy, and not making assumptions are all things I have discovered for myself. Through my work experiences, I have discovered how unique each individual’s experience of the same situation is and that the difference does not diminish anyone’s worth. Nonverbal cues are also very important to me now, as is being in the moment, which are skills I am not usually aware of when I am doing other things.
How has volunteering here shaped your perspective, either personally or academically?
A: While I’ve volunteered within this community, my views have changed. I found myself being more grateful and also focusing on others more compared to before I got involved. Before I started volunteering, I never thought about studying healthcare/psychology or any profession where I would work with individuals who had disabilities. I’m now seeing that the things I am learning in my classes can be directly correlated to what I do in my daily life and when interacting with others.
What would you say to other high school students who are thinking about getting involved at Matheny?
A: If you’re a high school student and are considering taking part in this program, I would highly recommend it, even if you’re worried about trying something new! The benefits of participating will far exceed anything that you could have possibly imagined. You’ll develop a great deal of confidence through this experience, you will also develop some great skills that you’ll be able to use throughout your life, and you’ll have the opportunity to create some very special friendships with others who participate in this program. It will provide you with an opportunity to really challenge yourself and think about things in a completely different way as well!
