Volunteer Spotlight: Nkobwa N.

What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
As a Make-A-Wish volunteer this summer, I was an airport greeter, in which I helped guide the family to their gate and help them as they are coming back from their wish trip back home. I also helped at the Make-A-Wish Minnesota office to reorganize the toy closet there.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish? 
I started volunteering at Make-A-Wish through my friend who asked me if I wanted to join her. I was super excited she asked me because I had always wanted to do volunteer work with Make-A-Wish, so doing it with my friend as well was just wonderful. 

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish? 
This summer was actually my first time volunteering with Make-A-Wish. I started around the end of May, going into June, until the first few weeks of August.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
I would say the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish has been seeing the wish childrens face when they are talking about how excited they are for their trip or how much fun they had on their trip. They are always super excited and you can see how happy and appreciative both the parents and children are that they have been granted a wish. 

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
My biggest piece of advice for new volunteers would be do not be nervous and be yourself. As someone who is on the more introverted side, I was really nervous that I was going to be awkward with the families, but once you are there and just start talking to the families it gets easier each time. Just be yourself and have fun with the family!

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
At my second to last volunteer shift, the wish child had a heart condition. The family had just gotten back from Walt Disney World and the boy was absolutely ecstatic about his trip. He couldn’t stop talking about the alligators he saw, the rides he went on and everything about his joy made me so happy. You're having these wonderful conversations with these children and families who haven’t had the greatest cards dealt for them and they are just so grateful and joyous. It warms your heart so much and expands your perspective on life as a whole. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish has truly been an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. They truly value taking some weight off of the family and making them smile.