At iACT, we have great appreciation for the wonderful volunteers who make our service work possible! In this Volunteer Spotlight iACT Volunteer Lauren Hoff tells us a little more about herself.
How long have you been in Austin?
I’ve been in Austin for about five years.
How long have you volunteered with iACT?
I started volunteering for iAct almost a year ago.
What made you want to volunteer with iACT?
I went through an intensive language program where I became fluent in both Persian-Farsi and Dari. When I learned that iAct offered classes for Afghan refugees to learn English, I immediately reached out to see if I could help out in the Dari classes.
What do you enjoy most about working with iACT?
Talking to the Afghan women are my favorite part about volunteering.
What’s the most challenging thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
Personally, the most challenging part for me is committing to class each week because they’re during work hours and my job is so demanding. I’m very lucky that my boss supports me.
What’s the most rewarding thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
I enjoy listening to their stories and getting to know them, and I find them so inspiring. They’re juggling so much—motherhood, refugee trauma, assimilating into a new culture—yet they’re all very positive and happy.
