Meet Megan, a dedicated volunteer at the UR Community Cares Tech Center (http://www.urcommunitycares.org). Megan’s path to becoming a volunteer wasn’t easy—she struggles with her speech at times, which made the idea of teaching technology to others seem daunting at first. However, Megan’s story is one of courage, growth, and the power of community.

Megan has always had a passion for technology. She’s naturally curious and loves exploring the latest advancements in IT. But fear held her back from pursuing opportunities that involved interacting with others. When she discovered the volunteer opportunities at our Tech Center, she saw it as a chance to challenge herself, build confidence, and help others in the process.

At first, Megan was nervous about working with the older adults to teach them how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, she quickly realized that her students were patient, understanding, and eager to learn. This supportive environment allowed Megan to focus on sharing her knowledge without the pressure of perfection.

As she guided older adults through the basics of technology—helping them send emails, video chat with family, or navigate social media—Megan began to notice a change within herself. The more she interacted with the seniors, the more her confidence grew. She became more comfortable speaking in front of others, and she found her rhythm in teaching.

Megan’s journey at the Tech Center has not only helped her overcome personal challenges but has also solidified her passion for IT. She’s learned that teaching others is a powerful way to reinforce her own skills and that stepping outside of her comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards.

Volunteering has given Megan a sense of purpose and belonging. She’s become an integral part of our community, helping to bridge the digital divide for seniors while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of volunteering—not just for those who receive support, but also for those who give it.

Megan’s experience is a reminder that we all have unique strengths to offer, and that by facing our challenges head-on, we can achieve incredible growth. We’re proud to have Megan as part of the UR Community Cares (http://www.urcommunitycares.org) family, and we can’t wait to see where her journey in IT takes her next.

In closing, the husband and wife pictured with Megan drove from Middletown to the Tech Center last month. They were so grateful and relieved that Megan was able to provide them with the support they need to get their laptop working. They even enjoyed tomatoes from our garden!