Step Up

Judy* is a founding member of a Chinese cultural organization. She had an organ transplant and fought against breast cancer, now in her late 70s yet she still teaches the Chinese school every Sunday. Not only the school, but also many events, you would see judy. She is thin, petite and doesn’t walk far yet when she speaks or decides something, everybody listens.

Dragon boat festival is one of the top 3 Chinese celebrations and a big cultural event in Boston. There is dragon boat race, art & craft, performance, and lots of food stands along the charles river. The Chinese cultural organization usually put up large art & craft tents, with more than 10 activities for the family and children to play ‘n learn. Last year I volunteered for the first time at the art & craft table of making ‘little figúrate’ with strings. It was non-stop, I didn’t go anywhere other than food and bathroom breaks.

This year, judy was recovering from an injury and couldn’t go to the festival yet she was calling, texting people for arrangements. I learned that later that she was in the hospital doing so. Talking about dedication…

Judy asked me to ‘step up’ to assign volunteers to different tables. Really? There are many long-timers around and most people I either don’t know or met once, why did she ask me? Judy explained that I learn things fast so I can new comer, i know how to ‘watch and arrange’ to get things done, and some people are either shy (not comfortable to tell others what to do) or sit there if you don’t tell them what to do, so I seem a good utility player plus coach. Thanks to her trust in me though I believe that people would ‘step up’ when it’s needed. I ensured her not to worry, everything would be fine.

We turned out both ‘right’. I arrived earlier at the tent helping setup as well as checking the activities. 2-3 activities require more, pre-learning, e.g making zonzi y little figúrate, I  asked 1-2 people to learn each besides myself so we could backup each other, teach others, and be a ‘wild card’ to move wherever is needed. When people asked me what they should do, i told them to look around and see which table looks busy or short of hands, jump in there. Throughout the day, I went around to ask people if they want to take a break, I or others could cover and rotate. We had a successful event: attendees had great time, volunteers supported each other taking turn to eat and rest, and I’ve learned to make zonzi (with leaves and paper) and give people opportunities to step up!

* name change to protect people’s privacy