One of the many pleasures’ individuals receive from volunteering is the gift of getting to know fellow members and volunteers and enjoy that social aspect of “giving back.”
For Chip MacEnulty, serving lunch to our diners appealed to him due to its extended interaction with our members, as well as his team of fellow volunteers he gets to work with Chip’s first volunteering stint was with the Monterey State Historical Park’s Custom House shortly after arriving in Monterey last year. This was a natural first start since Chip likes history, has a Ph.D. in International Affairs and likes “teaching” a little bit of the history of the place for the little time he has with tourists. It is an engaging opportunity when visiting folks have an “Aha” moment when learning something new about the area.
Two years ago, Chip retired after twenty-five years as a Drama and Film teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Last year, he completed his Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs. Chip loves to write, both short-form articles as well as novels and plays. And like many writers, he is waiting for his lucky break.
Reflecting on his journey to volunteering, Chip shared: “While time is a precious commodity and resource, volunteering is also just good for the soul. I think the pandemic showed us how important social interaction is, and even after retiring from a very busy, socially exhausting activity like teaching (God help me), I was amazed at how easy it was to get stuck at home and go through an entire day not talking to anybody besides my cat (and I do talk out loud to him). It really is a win-win-win: good for me, good for people, and good for organizations like Meals on Wheels and the State Parks. We all benefit without all the stress and drama of ‘chasing those dollar bills,’ which bring with it a different expectation and vibe.”
Asked what advice he would give to someone considering volunteering, Chip responded: “Whether it’s Meals on Wheels, the State Parks, the Aquarium, or anyplace else, volunteering is a very easy commitment in which its length and laboriousness are completely up to you. There is a freedom to volunteering that is wonderful because you know it makes a difference to the folks you serve and the organizations you support. The axiom ‘one reaps what one sows’ applies here, as I do believe in karma in its many iterations.”
We are very grateful for the dedication and care that Chip brings to his role as a volunteer server and are very happy that he and his wife moved to Pacific Grove!
