Celebrating October Volunteer of the Month: David Fisher

This month, we are proud to honor our extremely dedicated and kind volunteer David Fisher, whose consistency is a highlight of our days in the Tenderloin Center. Come to our Tenderloin After-School Workshops on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, and you will likely see David humorously interacting with our young writers, cracking jokes and keeping them engaged. In our Program Director Jillian Wasick’s words, “He encourages students to generate ideas before drafting and motivates them by praising their efforts.” Keep reading to learn more about David and his experience as a seasoned volunteer in his own words.

What led you to become part of our volunteer community?

“I’m retired from a long medical career in the East Bay. I moved to the City and was looking for a way of contributing, with a mindset that I should, somehow, leave this earth in a better state than when I found it. I enjoyed raising my children, I take delight in my grandchildren and I always have liked interacting with youngsters. I have been part of the Experience Corps tutoring youngsters in San Francisco for eight years and immensely enjoy the experience. The Tenderloin After-School Workshop emphasizes English Composition, as opposed to reading skills in the Experience Corp program, so it is, somewhat, a more challenging and creative experience.”

What would we find you doing when not volunteering at 826?

“When not volunteering, I take adult classes at the University of San Francisco and the San Francisco State University. I attend the Opera and the Symphony and visit museum exhibits. I also enjoy participating in book clubs. And being a native Bostonian, I go there once or twice a year to see family and friends and refresh my Boston accent.”

Do you prefer pirates or pufferfishes, and why?

“Ichthyology is not my strong suit and thus I have never heard of either a pirate or a pufferfish. I’ll look for them on my next trip to the aquarium.”

What is one of your favorite moments from volunteering with 826 Valencia?

“I recall a bright De Marillac eighth grader signaling with her facial expressions and hand gestures to a fellow student at another table. I told her that Darwin had described over 200 different facial expressions, and she had used most of them. She laughed and returned to her assignment.”

What is a piece of advice you would give a new 826 volunteer?

“Enjoy working with the youngsters, and you’ll have an emotionally satisfying and worthwhile second career.”
 
Thank you for your joyful support and dedication, David. We are grateful for having you as part of our vibrant volunteer community!
 
Read more about our previous Volunteers of the Month.