Maya Bennett

I have been volunteering at Thrive DC since September 2024. Initially, I would volunteer once or twice a week and serve breakfast to those in the program at Thrive DC, as well as pass out food and organize on Thursday mornings for the food pantry. Starting in January, however, I have been volunteering a few times a week in administrative and clerical work. This consists of filing, sorting paperwork, mail, etc.

As a Nanny I take on more responsibilities and duties than a Babysitter typically would. Specifically for myself, as a nanny for children under the age of 2, this responsibility is heightened. The families for whom I have nannied put their children in my care from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, I play with them, change diapers, feed them, and do anything else their parents would typically do with their children on a daily basis. I believe it is not only important to have a strong relationship with the children you look after, but also with the parents. As a nanny, I work as a team with the child/children's parents in order to be my best for the children in my care, and to ensure I am meeting their requests and needs. In a typical day as a nanny, I will: feed the child, play with them, put them down for their nap, tidy the house (dishes, laundry, vacuuming) if asked, go for a walk or spend time outside, and the list goes on in this same pattern until the end of the day. I will reinforce appropriate discipline according to the parents' specifications, and implement learning or behavioral techniques based on what parents are already teaching their children. I love being a nanny because it allows me to create close bonds with the children, watch them grow up, and be someone who adds to their sense of self and sense of the world.

As an Administrative Assistant for a neuropsychology office, my main roles have been organizing, scanning, copying, and managing digital files. My organizational skills were applied to create a space of office efficiency and to alleviate smaller tasks from the office manager. By scanning, copying, and organizing digital files, I am ensuring the doctors and staff are able to access their patients' files fully and completely with ease. My position creates the ability to maintain a smooth and efficient office environment. As well as the doctors and additional staff being able to count on their files never being misplaced, or not accessible. During this job, I have been able to hone my organizational skills, as well as refine my eye for detail, while being efficient and able to adapt quickly.

As an Assistant Teacher, I assisted in creating a safe, fun, as well as educational environment for children as young as infants to four-year-olds. My main duties included, playing with the children, helping with snack, supervising recess, helping with clean-up, and anything else I was asked to do. I helped promote a calm play area and as I continued I was given more responsibility and a greater leadership role.

Over the few years I volunteered at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, I consistently helped out with their Search and Rescue program. Seattle's Union Gospel Mission's (UGM) main purpose is to provide aid for the homeless population of Seattle and the surrounding area. One of their main programs is called Search and Rescue. Search and Rescue allows for UGM to engage with the homeless population in a more hands-on way. They do this by driving around downtown Seattle to homeless hotspots in order to offer clothes, food, drinks, blankets, conversation, and anything else they may need for the next couple days or weeks. I helped pass out food and drinks, as well as clothes, but mainly engaged with the homeless through conversation. I learned many things from them and their stories, as well had a chance to improve my leadership skills and communication skills.

I was a volunteer for Timberlake Church's early childhood program. Most every Sunday I would volunteer in the toddler or 2-year-old rooms for either one or two services. My role contained, checking children in, playing with them, guiding craft, leading worship, and assisting in clean-up.