Every volunteer brings something new to the community. Shweta is one of many NYCH volunteers that have a background as a newcomer. Having this first hand experience of figuring out immigration and life in Canada is valuable for helping newcomers do the same.
Over ten years ago, Shweta Natu immigrated to North America with her family. After spending some time in the United States, she moved to Canada where for five years she has been travelling and meeting people from all over the world.
For over a year, Shweta has been volunteering with NYCH as an English Conversation Circle Facilitator and a Social Mentor. In one-on-one and group sessions, she likes to get out of her comfort zone and learn new things as she helps newcomers enhance their understanding of their community and the English language.
“Being an immigrant myself, I wanted to share my experiences and learning with others who are trying to navigate their way in a new country and a new setting,” said Shweta.
Shweta has only been volunteering with NYCH since 2022, and in that time already volunteered in several roles. Most recently, she has offered support in the Volunteer Event Committee to help bring volunteers across NYCH together. Every step of the way, she brings her creativity, patience and warmth to the community in all of her roles.
Tell us a little about yourself
I have been volunteering with NYCH for over a year now and during this time I have had an opportunity to work with community members both in a group and one-on-one setting. I moved to North America from India with my family over a decade ago, and after spending the first few years in the US we have been in Canada for more than 5 years now. I have a Masters degree in Psychology and have work experience both in teaching and HR from back in India. Being an immigrant myself, I wanted to share my experiences and learning with others who are trying to navigate their way in a new country and a new setting altogether!
What skills are you using to volunteer at NYCH?
The skills that I am both using and trying to enhance in the process of volunteering at NYCH are patience, listening intently, being tactful, getting out of my comfort zone, formal note taking, writing, and communicating with people who are learning a new language, to name a few!
What are you most passionate about?
My passions include traveling, hiking, interacting with people with different backgrounds and learning about their life stories!