Winston Salem Times

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools issued the following announcement on February 10.

February 10, 2022 - Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools welcomes our new Volunteer Services Coordinator, Terry Matthews. We’re thrilled she has joined the district and the Marketing & Communications Department.

Terry Matthews, Volunteer Services CoordinatorTerry will be in charge of recruiting, training, and managing volunteers who serve throughout WS/FCS. She’ll work with social, civic and local organizations to develop partnerships and utilize volunteers.

We sat down with Terry and asked about her background and why this position is so important to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

She was born in Burlington, NC and while she has called North Carolina home for over 30 years, she’s also lived in North Dakota, Delaware, Montana, and Florida. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a BA in Fine Arts.

Prior to joining the team at WS/FCS, she worked at the YMCA for 26 years and spent a brief time working for Hospice of Rockingham County. Terry’s volunteer philosophy is, “the most precious gift that each of us has is time, and for those who share that gift with others, much praise should be given”.

Here are some other questions we asked so you can get to know Terry as she begins this wonderful new chapter in her career.

When you were in school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Who was your inspiration?

“When I was in school my dream was to be an artist.  My inspiration throughout my entire life has been my parents. They always encouraged me to dream big and to believe in myself. They taught me that kindness is free and to share my gifts and talents with others.”

Tell us a little about your professional career and your work in our local community.

“While attending college at Winston-Salem State University, I began working part-time for the YMCA as a day camp counselor. I then spent 26 years serving the community, as my part-time job turned into my full-time passion for the work of the Y. My last role at YMCA of Northwest NC was the Association Director of Volunteerism and Community Development. My career at the YMCA allowed me to develop strong partnerships and collaboration with community organizations such as Love Out Loud, Second Harvest Food Bank, Wake Forest, Latino Community Services, and several other organizations.”

Why is volunteering important? What would you tell someone who is exploring how to volunteer with WS/FCS?

“Volunteering is important because it allows people to give of themselves. By allowing people to share their time and talents in service to others makes it possible for everyday people to have a positive impact on the community. This in turn gives volunteers a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging.”

When you’re not aiding volunteer services, what are the hobbies and interests you enjoy most?

“In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cake decorating and roller skating.”

What else would you like our community to know about you?

“I would like to leave the community with a bit of my perspective on life. We are not promised tomorrow, so live a life filled with things that make you happy, always be willing to learn something new, even if it challenges you, and be kind to others. Kindness is free, so pass it on.”

Original source can be found here.