This week on the blog we’re highlighting FC volunteer and leadership board member Dalia! Dalia is one of our veteran volunteers and has been involved with us for 7 years now! Her commitment to this organization shines through and we know that she is going to make a great impact in our community. We are so lucky to have her a part of our circle.
Interview
What school do you go to and what grade are you in?
I go to the Bush School and I'm a senior.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I’m involved in a lot of things. For sports, I run cross country, I play ultimate frisbee, and I do cross country skiing. I am a part of three clubs and I co-lead two of them: Oy vey, which is our Jewish affinity space and drawing club, which is a fun social space. I also go to this club that’s a whiteness accountability club. Some other things I’m involved in are an organization called BBYO. I'm currently on their Jewish and social justice board which has been really fun. I also babysit a lot and I’m doing an internship with Stand with Us where I lead programs about Israel. Actually tomorrow I’m leading a program on veganism in Israel and we’re going to make Israeli salad.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I don’t have much free time, but whenever I do have time I really like to draw or even just color things in. During the summer I really like to go on runs to help prepare me for cross country. I also love spending time with my friends, whether we’re doing homework together or hanging out by the lake.
How long have you been involved with Friendship Circle?
I’ve been involved for about 7 years now. I guess I was allowed to be involved in 6th grade but I started going to a few Sunday Circles when I was in fifth grade. Both of my older brothers were involved in Friendship Circle and so were all of our family friends. I would tag along and get to shadow some of the volunteers and participants.
What made you want to join The Friendship Circle?
I saw my brothers doing it and I thought it was really cool. I would always come with my mom while she dropped my brothers off at Sunday Circle and I really loved seeing everyone with their buddies and hanging out at the community center. Also, I’ve always really loved little kids and that’s one of the reasons why I babysit. That being said, Friendship Circle really interested me because it was a way for me to hang out with little kids.
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. I think being a leader means leading by example. So whether you’re doing Friends@Home, attending leadership meetings, or coming to Sunday Circles a leader is someone who the other volunteers know and can look up to.
How has the Friendship Circle impacted your life?
Wow, that’s really hard to put into words. I guess I can explain it through this story. This last year and doing Friends@Home with my buddy Kate has made me love Friendship Circle more than ever. I remember in maybe March or April of this year, I was swamped with school and I thought about telling Kate’s mom that I couldn’t do Friends@Home anymore. However, hanging out with Kate that night in the freezing cold was probably the best way I could spend that hour of free time I had. It was almost like a release for me. I could also see that I was making Kate’s day so much better and her smile makes me smile.
What has been your favorite FC program?
Definitely Friends@Home. I remember going to Sunday Circle before COVID and I would be paired with another volunteer and one buddy and I remember thinking I want the buddy all to myself! That’s why Friends@Home is so great to me, because I get to be one on one with a buddy. Kate’s mom Gail has told me multiple times that this is the highlight of Kate’s week and honestly it’s one of the biggest highlights of my week as well.
If you could describe the Friendship Circle in one word, what would it be?
Smile.
