In the Volunteer Spotlight we recognize a Youth Service, Inc. volunteer making an impact in the communities we serve. Seherzada Softic volunteers at Baring House Crisis Nursery.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I was born in Switzerland but raised in a small town in South Jersey. I graduated from Rowan University in 2018 and I am currently a first year master’s student in the Biomedical Studies program at Drexel. I am a Bosnian-American citizen and moved to the USA in 2000 with my family. My main goal in life is to become a pediatrician and continue to serve the community.
Q: How long have you been volunteering at YSI?
I began volunteering at Baring House in November 2019 and hope to continue volunteering throughout my time at Drexel.
Q: Why did you choose YSI when you were looking for a place to volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at YSI because I love the mission and can relate to the reason why they do what they do. My parents used to tell us stories about when we first came to America and both of them were working full time jobs. They needed to leave my sister and I alone at our small apartment for hours in order to continue to work and pay bills. If they had access to a place like Baring house during those times, it would have made they lives so much easier. I am grateful to now be able to help people that are in a similar situation as my parents were and give them the opportunity to find more permanent child care.
Q: Why do you think it is important to volunteer?
I believe it is important to volunteer because no matter what kind of volunteering you do, you are opening yourself up to new opportunities and learning so much about the world that you otherwise would not have known. Volunteering helps teach important life lessons and allows you to give back to the community.
To nominate a volunteer for our Volunteer Spotlight or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@ysiphila.org.