I started working as a computer laboratory volunteer at the Senior Center last December 2012. Every time I was on duty, I always leave the place feeling refreshed and happy. It must be the seniors doing their wonders on me, but in all honesty, volunteering there gives me an inner peace and a lot of self-confidence. The fact that I am using and sharing my skills to teach and help our senior patrons cope up with the latest technology is enough to make my day. Some days are fun, some days I get a lot of pats on my back, but in general every duty uplifts me to the very core. Every duty is a new encounter. Today, my Lab was jampacked with senior computer users that clamor for my tutoring and assistance.
Scenario 1: Meeting an Angel
I met Angela. She came in just to ask me if the crochet instructor will report today. Then she saw that I was still alone so she stayed for a while and talked about how good the sunny weather was compared to a very cold and windy weather yesterday. Angela talked about wanting to learn how to use the computer one of these days. According to her, she has a 6-year old grandchild who knows how to use it and she cannot answer her queries most of the time ‘coz she’s not very much literate with computers. I told her to drop by at her convenience ‘coz the volunteers are very much willing to assist them. I also told her that she can even look me up on the Computer Lab volunteer schedule if she wants me to personally teach her. I got a big hug because of that. Just enough to tear apart a bad mood when I came in to work. Then she offered to bring me coffee but I said I’ll just go with her to the pantry to get a cup of water. She was very sweet, more like my own grandma. An angel in disguise!
Scenario 2: Let’s Polish It!
“Oh, I see you again!“, said Pauline when she entered the Lab and greeted me with a peck on my cheek. I know her favorite spot in the Lab. It’s just across my computer station. When she was seated, she noticed that her computer was “not working”. Me doing my troubleshooting showed her that the monitor was just turned off by the last user.
Pauline (in her Polish accent): How come you are so good with computers?
I told her that my dad worked with computers when I was a kid and that I learned it since grade school. I even told her that my kids also know how to use the computer.
Pauline: What?!? You already have kids? I don’t believe it! And all this time I thought you were only 18! No, more like one who just got off from high school!
That comment almost flipped my newly-cut bangs. Hahaha. As humbly as I can, I just said Thank You to Pauline and went back to doing my surveys and pay-per-click e-mails on my workstation.
After a short while Pauline sought my help in translating a Polish Powerpoint slideshow file (.pps) sent to her via email. She wanted it translated to English so she could forward it to her US friends. Foreign language translation is definitely not part of my volunteer job description but since she has been an angel to me (we had interactions before), I willingly helped her. She forwarded the e-mail to me so I could work on it in my PC. I used the Polish-English translation website I got from Google. Unfortunately, it gave me a goofy English translation that makes no sense so I have to ask her to explain the texts to me in her own words.
Pauline: You said you are from a different country? I studied English in my country… grammar, construction, and all that stuff but they don’t teach us English conversation then. I just learned it eventually. Were you born here? Because you speak very good English. Your translation of my Polish thoughts is very clear. This is very good translation (looking at the powerpoint slides I revised).
I went on telling her that in my country, most of our textbooks are written in English so we are obliged to learn and understand the language. As for the conversation part, I told her that in our school, if it’s time for the English subject, speaking the language is imperative. Otherwise we get a “fine” that goes to the class fund.
14 Powerpoint slides and we polished it!
Scenario 3: Along came John with his new toy
While Pauline and I are doing the translation, John came barging in the Lab. Pauline introduced him to me.
John: So, is it “Ni hao ma”? (then waved & shook my hand)
Me (forgot that I’ve put on a Chinese/Cat’s eye make-up): No, it’s “Mabuhay!”
John: Mabuhay? What is that? I haven’t heard that before.
Me: It’s Filipino. I came from the Philippines.
John: Ah, but you’re still Chinese! High percentage of Filipino ancestors are Chinese, so that makes you Chinese. Anyway, nice to meet you. (Smiles then went to a PC station in front of me and Pauline)
Pauline (in hushed words): Don’t mind him. He is very loud but he is a good and happy person. Only very loud.
After a few minutes John panicked coz everything he typed is in All Caps so I went to his area and showed him the Caps Lock key and indicator.
John: Now that is something new! Ah, wait! You have to teach me next time how to use my tablet. I just bought it yesterday and I still don’t know how to use it.
Me: Fine with me, buddy. Bring it anytime I’m on duty. (then I went back to my station where Pauline waited for me)
John: On second thought, I will get it now. I will show it to you. They said it is the latest tablet and it’s pretty good. (went out to get it from his car while me and Pauline were still busy with the translation)
When John came back from the parking lot to get his newly-purchased gadget, he immediately called me to help him check his e-mail using that.
Pauline: Hey, she’s still working with me! You have to wait for your turn. We’re not finished with what we’re doing.
John: How many more minutes should I wait? You know I am not a very patient person. (then smiles at Pauline) Can you finish that in 5?
Me: Nope. Give me 10 minutes. And Pauline’s right, first-come-first-served. =)
John: Yeah, yeah! (and turned his back on us to face his PC but he kept on checking if me and Pauline were already done with what we’re doing)
I wanted to laugh. They are like kids bickering and trying to get their parent’s attention. They remind me of my own kids.
I have a few other scenarios that took place in my 5-hour duty today (January 11, 2013). This is just the first part. I have to cut now since it’s getting lengthy already. You may find the second part here (if this does not take you to the link, it means I haven’t published it yet. Gotcha!).
Enjoy reading! =)
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Photo credits:
http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/angels/images/30195784/title/angel-photo
http://www.jstranslations.co.uk/english-polish-translator.html
unRICHable 