CHANGEMAKER SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA SEDERGREN
Meet Sofia! She has been volunteering with the Edgies Teen Center for close to a year. Sofia has been an essential part of the Teen Center over her time volunteering, committing more than 300 hours in the past 10 months. She provides critical administrative and program support to the Teen Center, and works closely with the College Prep Mentoring Program. Sofia has become a valuable and trusted part of the Teen Center team because of her commitment and efforts. Sofia has gone above and beyond in her time at MCC, and has made a tremendous impact on the teens and our programs.
Read more about Sofia’s experiences in her own words here.
1. Which volunteer opportunities are you apart of at MCC?
I am volunteering at the Edgies Teen Center, where I provide administrative and program support. I have been most closely involved with the Senior Mentoring Program which helps high school seniors prepare their college applications and get ready for college life.
2. What brought you to volunteering at MCC and how has your experience been?
I started volunteering at MCC because I wanted to connect more deeply with the community, helping students to take the next step in their academic and professional career. Working with the teens has been a wonderful learning-experience, as each of them bring in a unique perspective, helping me see the world in new ways.
3. What is your favorite part about volunteering?
The best part of volunteering is the relationships I shape with people that I would not necessarily meet in my day to day life. Despite living in such a diverse city, segregation often keeps people separated. MCC, and the Edgies Teen Center in particular, is an extremely diverse place and I get to meet people from all parts of the city. It is wonderful to see the community among the teens, and their constant strive to do better.
4. Do you have a favorite story or anecdote from volunteering at MCC or in the community?
My favorite moment volunteering at the Edgies Teen Center was the Gratitude Dinner in the fall. The dinner offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with the teens in a more informal way and meet their families.
5. How do you plan to stay connected to your community during this time of social distancing?
My experience of living 4000 miles from my family in Sweden has taught me that close proximity is not required to maintain and build strong relationships. By using digital tools, and continuing to set aside the time to connect, you can stay connected with family and community, even in times of social distancing.
6. What is your favorite at home self-care activity you have been practicing?
I practice yoga every day at home, and yoga has been a central part of my self-care routine for over four years. It is easy to practice at home and you don’t need any fancy tools. I follow Yoga with Adriene on YouTube or develop my own practice to connect to both mind and body. During these uncertain times it is more important than ever to check in with yourself and notice how you feel.
As a changemaker, volunteers are part of a movement of engaged New Yorkers taking action to strengthen Lower East Side and beyond. Our spotlight series provides an opportunity to share the stories of why community members get involved, what they gain from the experience, and the impact they are able to make at the Manny Cantor Center and in the community. Thank you to all who choose to come through our doors to help build the neighborhood we want to live in.
If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved with us here at Manny Cantor Center, we have opportunities available for a variety of schedules and interests. Learn more about being a Volunteer Changemaker at MCC .
