For 35 years, Theresa got up each day and made her way to school, teaching elementary and high school children history and reading. She loved her job, loved the children, and loved making a difference in their lives.
While still working, she volunteered at the nearby Rowan Museum. Dressing in period costumes, she taught children to dip candles, write with feather pens and cook the pioneer way. She found her teaching and her volunteering worked together as she poured into the lives of the children she loved.
When the day came to retire, her volunteer life opened before her like a butterfly spreading its wings. She became a docent, presenter and storyteller. A docent, according to Google (I had to look it up) is a person who, typically on a volunteer basis, acts as a guide in a museum, art gallery or zoo. As a docent, she gives tours of properties in her community, including the 1766 Old Stone House in historic Rowan County.
As a presenter, at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, she portrays Kate Wright, sister of the historic Wright brothers. (Look it up. Their sister was behind much of their success in getting that first flying machine in the air. I knew a woman was involved somewhere!)
As a storyteller, Theresa dresses in all kinds of costumes and presents at schools, libraries and senior centres. She becomes Mrs. Clause, Mrs. Pilgrim and a schoolmarm. A highlight of her year is “Stories by the Millstream.”
She even sometimes takes her grandchildren along, also in costume, who learn to present and tell stories to other children. It gives her tremendous purpose to pour into the next generation and share her love of history.
Not everybody has this kind of incredible opportunity, and it wouldn’t appeal to everyone. But the world of volunteering is vast and holds something for all.
It can be adapted to everyone’s talents, preferences and personal limitations. I’d love to volunteer at the food bank, but I don’t have the mobility or stamina to do so. However, I can sit and paint stars and snowmen on children’s faces at the Christmas Market. Look for what you enjoy doing, and match it to an opportunity. Check flyers, newsletters, your local library or the bulletin board at the grocery story. The opportunity is out there.
When you find it, you will find community, fulfillment and purpose. And joy. So much joy.