October 2015 Volunteer Spotlight —Jolinda Gutierrez

1.   What volunteer opportunities do you do?

I have been volunteering at PCE for the last 9 years.  At the beginning, I swore I wouldn’t be in charge of anything and would just be a “worker bee”.  I was uncomfortable going into something I didn’t quite know or understand.  So, I started out as the Market Day Co-Chair with a friend of mine.  It wasn’t long when the Vice President role was vacant and needed someone to help.  I was told this role wasn’t a big deal and I would only be helping the President when they couldn’t be there.  Then the President’s role was vacant and I felt like it was a natural fit for me.  My husband reminded me of what I said about being just a “worker bee” & not being in a lead role, but we both knew I had grown and become comfortable leading this great organization.  In addition to being a PTO officer, I have been a room representative or co-rep every year for at least one of my children if not two at the same time.  I have volunteered for pretty much every position the school and PTO had available at one point or another.  I’ve tried everything!!

2.   What motivates you to volunteer in the school?

Lots of reasons actually!  I started out volunteering to become better acquainted with the school and the staff.  It helped me get information my children weren’t bringing home and lots of background information most people don’t get when they aren’t in the schools and involved.  I also saw lots of needs weren’t being met and felt like I had opportunity to assist the school and the PTO to help meet those needs.  I found a great satisfaction in helping the teachers and the staff and along the way became friends with many of them.  My children loved having me involved and seeing me at their school.  I got to know my children in a whole different light and really see them grow into the wonderful young people they are today.  I got to know their friends a lot better and was able to develop friendships with other parents along the way too!  I honestly can’t imagine not being involved with my kids and not knowing what their lives are like the 8 plus hours they are away from home each day 9 months out of the year.  I feel like the school is our second family and have a hard time not visiting our “family” on a regular basis and helping out wherever needed!

3.   Tell about an experience you had while volunteering that made you realize you were making a difference.

The most recent one was just this week.  My youngest is going into 4^th grade this fall so I made the decision it was time to hand over my PTO roles to others while I am still in the building to help support them next year.  As my tenure in the PTO comes to a close, I have been given many letters of appreciation and personal notes about how much I have done and meant to others.  I started realizing many people who are now involved with the PTO are friends who were once too shy or uncomfortable being “too involved or in charge”.  However I shared my similar story and encouraged them to become involved.  It was because of my influence and support they have overcome these feelings.  They are now stepping into roles they feel challenged in but are ready to take on with some additional support.  It brings me great enjoyment to know I have shared the wonderful opportunity of volunteering at PCE and with the PTO.  It has opened up this whole new world of experiences for others.

4.   Have you seen an impact on your child(ren) because you volunteer in the school?

Our whole family is very service oriented.  We volunteer together at school, at church, at Scouts and at area events just to name a few.  The kids help others very naturally and don’t even think about or need to be asked most of the time.  They have become very self-less and caring young people.  That is the best thing a parent can hope for in their children. 

5.   What would you tell someone that is thinking about volunteering in the school?

There is something for everyone!  You can help out in so many different ways and at different times.  If you are a working parent who can’t get into the school during school hours you can help at after school and weekend events or do things from home.  If you are not as agile as you once were you can sit with the kids and listen to them read and encourage them in their school work.  If you have little ones at home you can swap with another mom and take turns getting out of the house and being with the big kids or bring your little ones with you to wipe down tables in the lunchroom.  If you are shy and uncomfortable stepping out of your comfort zone you can do things like copying in the office and helping teachers get caught up with “office” type work.  It takes a lot of volunteers to make a school of 700 kids function well and be a fun place to be.  Every little thing is really a very big thing and makes a big difference in the lives of lots of little and big people!!  Give it a try and find out what you enjoy and are comfortable doing.  I bet you will feel like a part of the PCE & PTO family in no time!!