Feb 2018: Volunteer | Those Who can Do

“I really just enjoy standing up in front of all the people who gather on Sundays and playing the songs,” said Spencer Pollard. “When you understand how to play your instrument and you’re with others who also know how, it can be really fun.”

Pollard, a junior enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, dedicates his time to the media team at his church, the Real Life Church in Fairfield. Pollard’s experience in volunteering at his church began in seventh grade. “When my family came across Real Life Church, we talked to them about things we could do to help out the church. They said that they needed more people on their media team, and I began!” he said. In addition to running slides during worship, Pollard began playing bass during his sophomore year. “I usually alternate weeks for running the slides and at least twice a month for playing bass,” he said. “It just depends on who’s available that week.”

Pollard’s most impactful moment volunteering at his church took place when he played the bass for the first time. “Most memorable experience would have to be the first time I played bass for the worship team. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, despite having relatively decent knowledge of how the songs went,” he said.

Pollard recommends for other students to find volunteer activities that pique their passion. “You just need to get plugged in, get to know the people, and start talking about wanting to volunteer,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a church or anything of such, just somewhere that you enjoy going to and somewhere that you go to a lot.” Outside of school, Pollard is also involved in Armijo’s VEX Robotics and track.