By Amy B., client
I'm coming up on my two year anniversary working as a volunteer at the Science By Mail Program at the Boston Museum of Science. I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 P.M. My means of transportation is "the Ride" - a public transportation designed for the disabled. The Ride has worked out very well in general - although there are times it is late - especially when it is snowing!
The Science by Mail Program is a penpal program for children in grades 4-9. Each child is paired with a scientist pen pal. They receive 2 science activity packets which include an activity book and most of the materials to complete 5 or 6 "hands on" experiments. The program works for the kids because they are able to work at their own pace. It is hands on, educational and most importantly fun!
At the museum my job is to work on a Macintosh doing data entry. The database I work on is a mailing list for labels, brochures and mailings for the list of members. I send out my Science by Mail literature to those members who call or write.
I have learned new skills through hands on training and new software. I have learned to work on a Macintosh. I have improved my skills on this computer, including my typing and my organizational skills, as well as my office skills in general.
I would like to go back to work. I will start part time, and go back to full time. At my previous place of employment, I did office work as I do now at the Museum. I also worked on a computer. I hope to be organized, be able to work for extended hours, work with other people, meet my deadlines and finally get my work accomplished which I am learning at the Museum. I am looking forward to learning more about the computer programs and I hope to increase my productivity.
The one person who has been extremely helpful and supportive is my boss, Melissa. She is appreciative of my work and thanks me every Thursday when I have finished up my week. She has taught me everything I know at the Museum and always makes me feel good. Melissa is very patient with me and I can always go to her for any questions. I feel extremely lucky to have her as a boss and support system at the Museum. All the people I work with at the Science by Mail program are really nice and it has been fun to make some new friends.
I go to lunch on the sixth floor at 11:45. They have a nice cafeteria with a great view of Boston. I usually get a tuna sandwich or the salad bar. I also get a discount because I am a volunteer. Occasionally I will go to lunch with Monica, who also works with me. She is now on maternity leave. She gave me a picture of her new baby girl, which sits on my desk.
It makes me feel good about going to work. I also like the people I work with. I enjoy going back there. Although I am a volunteer, I receive much from the Museum. I can set goals and when I reach them it gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Taking public transportation gives me a feeling of independence and I like that. I have increased my skills and learned new things on the computer. I am contributing to a worthwhile endeavor, and besides it is just plain fun!
Amy received an award at the 37th Annual Volunteer Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Museum of Science on April 25th. She is being recognized for her dedication and hard work as a volunteer. We at NeuroAdvancE congratulate Amy on a job well done.
Revised: Saturday, March 30, 2002 06:03 AM