Monday, March 22, 2021

I am Theo, I am a Lit the Light Volunteer

Hello All,


Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Theofilla Paul” sharing her experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  She is here to express herself on "What?... How?... Why?... and few more questions on dedicating her time, volunteering with 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 Ms. Theo, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with scribe requests, as a reader, and also in many other field activities too.


Lit the Light's Coordinator Ms. Theofilla Paul's Testimony




1. Can u tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hey, I’m Theofilla, a software engineer at Scientific Labs. I enjoy drawing, reading, and freelance writing in my free time!


2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?
One of my friends shared a post from LTL on our friend group, so I looked up the organization on the ‘Grassroots’ app and was intrigued by its vision and mission statement. I didn’t really go out that much and felt this was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, so I thought to myself ‘why not give this a shot?’. My first volunteer activity was to scribe for a model exam at Presidency College and ever since I’ve always tried my best to be consistent, so Barath offered me to be a scribe coordinator.


3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?
I think helping even in the smallest way can make a significant impact on someone’s life, and in the process, you help yourself too. Not everyone can do this consistently and that’s okay! One needs to realize that spending even a day of your week volunteer can be helpful, it gives you an awareness of the kind of life people lead and how resilient and determined they remain no matter what life throws their way. I know many people throw around this word a lot but volunteering here has truly given me a sense of meaningfulness and fulfillment.


4. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with LTL?
I think the most memorable experience volunteering at LTL is attending the Read Fest. I was able to witness the many talents of the visually challenged up close and I was so thrilled to see them perform so confidently with no inhibitions. LTL made sure to give recognition to every single volunteer and that made me feel fulfilled and appreciated.


5. Do you have any message for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?
I’d say just give it a try! It’s not difficult, it’s very flexible and convenient for your timings. If you can’t physically go and help, there is always the option of recording audiobooks. People always assume volunteering is some huge responsibility and that it’s saintly work, but it’s really no different from going out and watching a movie, it’s just another fun activity. In fact, I even introduced LTL to my friends, they were initially hesitant, but then realized how joyful it is to meet these people and felt it was a day well spent. So don’t be afraid to volunteer, just do it!


Lit the Light thanks Theo 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 Theo is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Theo, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.


Compiled by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer