People volunteer for many reasons. Some want to give back to their community, while others volunteer to fulfill school or work requirements. For Mark Anderson, volunteering with Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) began after reading an article that changed his perspective.
The article suggested that serving others can be a meaningful way to channel grief. After the loss of his wife, Mark decided to look for volunteer opportunities.
When he discovered MOWMP’s variety of volunteer roles, the Tech Coach position immediately stood out. It allowed him to combine his extensive background in technology with his passion for coaching, teaching, and problem-solving, something that, as Mark says, “brings me a lot of personal satisfaction.”
When asked what being a Tech Coach means to him, Mark shares: “Today, technology is embedded in everything, so volunteering as a Tech Coach allows me to support community center members’ independence by removing barriers that impact their ability to navigate all aspects of their day-to-day lives. Being able to have this impact is fun and provides me with a great sense of purpose.”
Mark grew up in a military family and lived in many places, including Korea, San Francisco, West Point, Fort Leavenworth, and finally Fort Ord, where his father retired from the Army. But if you ask Mark where he grew up, he’ll simply say, “Salinas.”
He enjoyed a 34-year career in technology, working in banking, logistics, and the technology sector. Since retiring, Mark has returned to college with the goal of earning his teaching credential and becoming an elementary school teacher.
As a Tech Coach, Mark meets one-on-one with members who have questions about their devices or need help navigating technology. He offers some practical advice for anyone who feels overwhelmed by today’s digital world: “My advice to those using technology is simple. Only get the electronics that you need. Most of us don’t need a phone, tablet or iPad, computer, and electronic watch. The more you have, the more you need to manage. Secondly, be critical of apps, links, and attachments. If you’re not 100% sure of the source, do some research before you click. Lastly, don’t be intimidated by technology. Using YouTube videos to learn a new skill is a great way to overcome that initial anxiety—or better yet, make a Tech Coach appointment!”
When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering, Mark doesn’t hesitate:
“I would encourage them to look at the different opportunities and find something they enjoy. The reality is, as a volunteer, you get more out of it than you put into it. ‘Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.’ That’s a great quote by Booker T. Washington.”
We are grateful to Mark for sharing his knowledge, patience, and passion with our members. Through his dedication as a Tech Coach, he is helping others build confidence with technology while making a meaningful difference in their everyday lives
