I am Varalakshmi, I am a Lit the Light Volunteer

 

Hello All,

Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series again and more ahead…, here we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Varalakshmi” sharing her experience in simple words, on "What?... How?... Why?... and few more questions on dedicating her volunteering to Lit the Light"…in her own words. These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Core Team Member, a senior coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with scribe requests and many other field activities too. This is an article for and by Ms. Varalakshmi on Lit the Light, her experiences, views, suggestions, and thoughts in her own words.  

 

1. Can u tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! I’m Varalakshmi and I’ve been working as an assistant professor in the Electronics and Communications department at S.A Engineering college for the past three years. I’ve always enjoyed teaching and challenging myself to learn new things. In fact, I have been teaching myself sign language this quarantine!

 

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

During the 2016 Vardha cyclone period in Chennai, my father’s colleague from work added me to the Lit the Light WhatsApp group so that I can support those in need as much as possible. Since I had just finished my B.E in Electronics and Communication at S.A Engineering College, I was looking forward to spending time volunteering for the community, just a thought to give back my support to the society that supports us all…hence I chose Lit The Light. My first task was to scribe for a student writing their entrance exam for college admission. Following that, I volunteered to teach blind children basic communication skills and help out with their education at the “Poonamalle Government school for the visually challenged” every Sunday along with Mr. Barath, Founder of Lit the Light. Ever since, I have continued to volunteer at LTL by helping out in every way that I can, from scribing, coordinate scribe requests, and also reading for the inner visionaries.

 

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

I would say that I don’t volunteer out of pity or sympathy, rather, I do it because I feel it is my responsibility as an individual belonging to this society to give back what I can to support those in need. As a volunteer for the visually challenged, I can strongly say our empathy gives them the strength to perform with confidence. I am glad I could make a small difference in someone’s life whilst doing what I am most passionate about--teaching!

 

4. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with LTL?

I have several memorable moments volunteering for LTL, but spending the New Year’s Day with the visually challenged children at Government school for visually challenged, Poonamallee tops the list! I had a great time cutting the cake and celebrating the day with them. Another memorable moment I have is, attending the Read Fest, an extensive reading campaign for the visually impaired, hosted by LTL 2019 & 2020 (fortunately before the pandemic started). I had the opportunity to meet different people and hear their fascinating stories. Another moment I will always cherish is inaugurating the Lit the Light ACT, center for visually challenged career training and support in Porur along with my peers, it is a day I will never forget!

 

5. Do you have any message for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

I think the most important part of being a volunteer is to listen. Listen to the needs of the student and make sure you are patient and involved with them. Because at the end of the day, they are no different from you and me, so treat them with respect and kindness.

     Lit the Light thanks Varalakshmi and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way...Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Varalakshmi is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Varalakshmi, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Compiled by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer