Serbata Tarrer

Serbata Tarrer

I originally decided because I needed something to do rather than wasting my time at home, eyes glued to a screen. But as time passed, I started volunteering more frequently. What made me stick was the fact that I was helping people and making them smile which, in turn, helped me personally.

Describe the organization where you volunteer.

I volunteer at the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park, an organization dedicated to ecological education and protecting nature.

What help do you provide?

I help out with various projects such as the Ecology Center’s after school club, The Young Scientist Club and building maintenance. I assist anyone who needs help.

What surprised you the most about volunteering?

What surprised me is how social volunteering is; I meet new people all the time and gain new opportunities.

At the Urban Ecology Center.

When you think about your paid jobs, how is a volunteering different?

To me, it’s similar in that it’s just as important as a real job, yet it’s different because I’m volunteering only because I want to help people, not because I’m seeking financial gain.

I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about nature, and I can identify types of plants and trees.

Has it changed your world view in any way?

It has. For example, I now know there are things we do every day by habit that hurt the environment.

Has volunteering had any benefits for you?

I have become more social and interaction with other people has become easier.

Strawberry picking at the Urban Ecology Center.

What are your proudest of accomplishing as a volunteer?

I am proudest of how other people feel after I’ve helped them out.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

Definitely. It’s a great experience, and it keeps you active. It really helps when you’re out in the world.

To learn more the Urban Ecology Center, go to http://urbanecologycenter.org.  To find additional volunteer opportunities in our community, go to www.volunteermilwaukee.org, a Service of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee.