After John had some time to reflect on his experience, we sat down to talk with him about what it was like. Here’s what he had to say:
Volunteer Odyssey: Had you ever volunteered before for any of the non-profits that you went to during your Volunteer Odyssey week?
John: Never! They were all completely new to me. And each day during my Volunteer Odyssey week, I did something completely different than the day before.
Volunteer Odyssey: Will you continue to volunteer for any of the organizations now that your week is over?
John: I’d be more than happy to volunteer for any of the places I went to when they need help. But there are a couple in particular that I’m definitely going back to.
Volunteer Odyssey: What kind of reactions did you get from your family and friends during your Volunteer Odyssey week?
John: ALL kinds of reactions. I got a lot of positive feedback from people I had no idea would have been interested. A lot of friends I hadn’t spoken to in years started to resurface to ask me questions and cheer me on. I even ran into a cousin of mine who quoted me from one of my blog entries. So, you know what that means, right? A-list celebrity status.
Volunteer Odyssey: How did participating for Volunteer Odyssey benefit you?
John: Aside from fulfilling a sense of acheivement, meeting new people, making a few new friends (we ARE friends now, right Kevin? Rivers?), having an interesting conversation about what I did each day- aside from ALL that, I got a chance to try out this “blogging” thing I’ve heard so much about. Other than a handful of “C” status term papers in college, I had never written a thing. And now look at me “blogging” away…I’ve even been referred to as “Our generations John Steinbeck”. (by me) (I was told John Steinbeck wrote some really good stuff.)
Volunteer Odyssey: What did you learn from your week during Volunteer Odyssey?
John: Oh boy That’s a big question. I learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone is exactly what I needed to gain perspective on different issues. And something that seems so simple, like offering my energy and time, can have such a huge impact- not only on others, but myself as well.
Volunteer Odyssey: Would you recommend Volunteer Odyssey to a friend?
John: You betcha! Yes, some days are more interesting than others, but you WILL learn something new every single day. You’ll be challenged and you’ll grow and you’ll change. Ain’t that what life’s about?
John will still be involved with Volunteer Odyssey! He’ll help our newer bloggers with train and picture taking during their own Odyssey Weeks.