This week we’re highlighting FC volunteer Mila Shulman! Her positive energy and smile lights up a room. Mila has been at Friendship Circle for a few years and makes an effort to attend almost every event we offer. Whether she’s leading the art project at Sunday Circles or contributing her ideas at leadership meetings, Mila really does go above and beyond. We’re so lucky to have her!
Interview
What school do you go to and what grade are you in?
I go to Newport High School and I’m a junior.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I am part of three clubs at my school. I’m a part of knights who code, music creators club, and the Black Student Union. I also do cross country in the fall, lacrosse in the spring, and this year I’m doing the one act at my school which is short theater productions and I’m doing the musical which is now in the Spring.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I really like knitting, writing music, and spending time with my friends. When I started knitting I did mostly scarves but now I really like knitting koozies for your mugs and glasses I’m working on a pretty big project which is a shirt.
How long have you been involved with Friendship Circle?
I’ve been involved since 7th grade when I started with the MVP program. So I’ve been involved for four years now.
What made you want to join The Friendship Circle?
My friend actually told me about the MVP program and I was like yeah sure this sounds interesting, let me try it out. From there, I just really grew to love it because it’s an open and caring community which I think is really cool. When I first started I was in a bit of a shaky situation with my friend group and Friendship Circle just gave me a place where I could feel at home. I always feel good at Friendship Circle. It’s a great place to be and I always feel good when I’m volunteering there.
Are you on the leadership board? If so, what does it mean to be a leader to you?
Yes I’m on the leadership board. To me I think, being a leader is about being your best self at all times and showing other people how they can be their best selves as well.
How has the Friendship Circle impacted your life?
When I first started I thought that it was a small local place in Washington, but then I learned about all the other cities that do this and it has given me a sense of connectivity. I think Friendship Circle has given me a lot of life skills especially this year, now that I’m in leadership. But in general it’s taught me about the importance of community and the importance of being a good person. As far as other impacts, Friendship Circle has not only been a place where other people can find friends and make new friends, but it’s given me a place where I can make new friends. I get to meet new people and it’s given me the skills to make new friends even outside of Friendship Circle.
What has been your favorite FC program?
It’s either Sunday Circle or birthday club. I haven’t gone to a lot of birthday clubs but at the one’s I have been to, everyone is super energetic and having a lot of fun. But I think I really like Sunday Circles because they’re consistent. Because of that consistency, there’s always room to add new things or change things.
If you could describe the Friendship Circle in one word, what would it be?
Family.
