My agency has a helpline available for anyone to call to
receive free information about pretty much anything education related. We have
certain staff members who are dedicated to manning the lines day in and day out
(I can’t even imagine). Answering a never-ending stream of calls from parents,
students, and educators who are angry, fearful, or confused. Because we have so
many calls constantly coming in, the rest of the staff here is required to
answer two calls per month as a way to help out those whose days are completely
run by the phone rings.
I always start off being very nervous when I get my helpline
assignments. I still feel so inexperienced and unqualified to be relied on to
solve a family’s troubles. As the months progress, I have definitely been
learning more and more about the world of education here in New York City, and
I am able to have conversations where I end up impressing myself with all the
knowledge I’ve gained. I nevertheless still feel inadequate when talking to
these families, and I usually end up saying, “let me talk to my supervisor
about that,” but I guess that all comes with the territory? I’m sure there are
countless other Jesuit Volunteers out there who feel the same way. We sometimes
get thrown into these positions that require a level of expertise that we haven’t
yet reached. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is expected of you, but
I’ve come to realize that I am totally okay with being honest with people and
telling them, “You know, I’m not sure about that, but I will ask someone who
knows and get back to you.” These clients deserve our honesty, and I hope they
realize that I truly want to help them, even if I don’t have the immediate
solution to their issue.
I love knowing that my organization has this helpline as a
resource. We have a number that anyone can call, and even if we don’t pick up,
we return messages as quickly as possible. I also love that everyone on staff
is involved in returning these calls—even the summer interns that have just
arrived! I love being a part of something that is so dedicated to helping others,
and I can’t believe how little time I have left to enjoy this blessing.
