PL Spotlight - Jennifer Samoranos

[HandsOn Bay Area]

What's your favorite HOBA project?

My favorite HOBA project is A PLACE AT THE TABLE at Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen. I love being able to chat and engage myself with the clients. Seeing the smiles on their faces and demonstrating their gratitude for our services is such a rewarding feeling. It makes me happy seeing them happy as we prepare and serve them their meals. Not to mention, the regular volunteer staff are just awesome and great to work with!

 

Why did you become a Project Leader?               

I became inspired by Gandhi's quote "Be the change you want to see in the world". I think it's really important to give back to the community and I've always thought of myself as someone who likes to take charge. I'm always finding ways to help inspire and encourage others to make positive changes in their lives. It's also fun meeting new people and making sure everyone is having a good time.

 

What do you do when you’re not leading volunteer projects?    

When I'm not leading volunteer projects, I like to sing and play the piano, spend time with my little french bulldog, King, go shopping and hang out with my friends and family. I also love to travel. I try to travel to a different city at least once a month. So far in 2011, I've been to Las Vegas a handful of times, Hawaii, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Paris and will be traveling to New York in a few weeks! "I am very passionate about volunteering. I love being able to help those who are less fortunate than us. It really helps put life into perspective. It is truly a humbling experience each and every time I come out of a project. Just knowing that there are others out there struggling just to make a living, helps remind me to be thankful for what I have and to count my blessings. I can honestly say I don't complain about my life as much as before and that I am a much happier person, all because of volunteering. It is definitely a full circle of gratitude.

 

Why volunteer? Why HOBA?

I chose to sign up with HOBA because I love the variety of agencies we partner with and the ease of use of the calendar and registration system online. Not to mention, the HOBA staff is comprised of the most genuine and friendliest people I've met so far. I'm very pleased to be part of the HOBA family!"             

 

Soup or salad?

Salad! Salad is my favorite food! My mom would always tell me, ever since I was a little girl, I always loved to eat salad. You can imagine how proud she was to have a child who loved to eat her veggies! I love to eat salads because they are so refreshing and you can prepare them any way, not to mention a healthier alternative to other foods out there.

Winter or Summer?

Summer - I love summer. I love how the summer sun doesn't go down until 9pm. It makes the days go by longer and I like warm nights where you can relax on the patio in a tshirt and shorts. I also love swimming, going to the beach and doing fun outdoor activities, such as going to the park and bbqing.

PC or Mac?

MAC - I love Apple products hands-down. They never seem to crash on me unlike PC's. They are super user-friendly and also have sleek, stylish designs. =)

Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise?

Tom Hanks! Need I say more!? He is such a talented actor. "Forrest Gump" and "Big" are probably on my all-time favorite movie list!

Ice Cream or Cake?              

Ice Cream - Ice cream makes me happy! I like ice cream so much that I could be having the worst day and it will turn my frown upside-down!! My favorite Ice Cream flavors are Vanilla Bean, Jamocha Almond Fudge, Butter Pecan, Green Tea, Pistachio and Rocky Road. Oh man, I want some ice cream right now!! Yumsters!!