Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and there is no better time to pause and recognize the selfless contributions of our extraordinary JA Volunteers who inspire and motivate us every day.
Throughout the week, we’ll be featuring JA Volunteers who go above and beyond to connect students with the learning experiences they need for an inspired and successful future.
Read JA Volunteer Steve Thormahlen’s Q&A with JA below!
Steve Thormahlen
JA: How have you volunteered and what compelled you?
Steve: After deciding to retire in August 2017, I spoke with the instructors at JA Finance Park in Fairfax, VA and expressed my willingness to help in the classroom. They quickly mentioned that some private schools in the area were looking to add financial literacy to their curriculum and I was put in touch with two administrators at The Congressional School of VA, specifically Andrea Weiss and Brent Hinrichs. After a few interviews and an explanation of the program of instruction that JA had developed, plus some time shadowing a math teacher in her classroom, they decided I could handle the task. The curriculum would be Economics for Success and would be taught to both the 7th and 8th grades (split into two classes over two semesters). We have since introduced Entrepreneurship to the 8th grade, provided they have gone through Economics for Success.
What compelled me to volunteer in this manner? I have seven brothers and sisters and most every one of them has been involved in education of some sort. They are dedicated teachers, counselors or administrators. I have always been in awe of their commitment. A big part of me saw a need and opportunity to give something back and make a contribution, plus pass along some real-world experience to a generation that will absolutely need to know the power and benefits of saving and investing.
JA: What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a JA volunteer?
Steve: My biggest personal benefit from being a JA volunteer is definitely reflected in the faces of the kids when they grasp a concept or idea and take it back to share with their parents or relatives. Without fail I’ll then get notes or emails from them thanking me for my volunteer time and helping their children navigate through some complex concepts. This makes my day - plus the thank you’s I get from the students after most every class!
JA: What is your favorite JA memory?
Steve: My favorite JA memory from teaching this class was a gift I received from a German student at graduation. He had been studying in the US for many years as his parents fulfilled a diplomatic mission and was headed back home during the summer. He wrote me a beautiful thank you note and gave me a small rock, encased in lucite, that was a piece of the Berlin Wall. Graduation time is when I see many of the parents and their thank you’s are fantastic.
JA: What do you wish more people knew about JA or what would you tell someone that is thinking about volunteering with JA?
Steve: If you are thinking of volunteering, for JA or any organization, just do it. Throw yourself into the endeavor with gusto, know that JA will have your back, and experience the joy of sharing the wealth of information you certainly have.
JA: What advice would you give to the next generation?
Steve: My advice for the next generation is to make the time to give back. Do something in your career that you love, and you may never have to “work” a day in your life. Also, nurture and growth all of your relationships. They are a place you can go to give.
Interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our JA Volunteers? Check out more spotlights below.
To learn how you can get involved with or support JA, send us an inquiry.
