MATH IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THIS COLLEGE STUDENT’S VOLUNTEERISM

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Skyler Perez. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Skyler Perez didn’t always love mathematics, but the power of volunteering got him there. Growing up in New York, Skyler wasn’t a huge fan of learning math in school and found the subject “annoying.” Around the age of 8 or 9, he was introduced to the National Museum of Mathematics, an award-winning museum that highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us. Suddenly, his perspective on the subject of math changed. He began to see it from a different perspective and came to love the subject.

By the time he was a high school senior, Skyler saw that the museum was accepting applications for volunteers. He applied and got in, and for the last two years, he has dedicated over 1,000 total hours to helping hundreds of visitors each day. Skyler’s tasks can range from hosting interactive exhibits and supporting educational programming to helping facilitate special events and ensuring the museum provides a welcoming environment for the diverse families and school groups that walk through the museum’s doors on a daily basis.

Now a college student studying criminology, which has some mathematical components, Skyler’s goal is to hit 4,000 volunteer hours. While he’s at 1,100 hours right now, it’s safe to say that he won’t have any trouble hitting that mark. But that’s not the real reason Skyler volunteers his time with the museum. When asked what inspires him to take 70 hours a month out of his busy schedule as a college student to perform volunteer work, Skyler shared that he hopes to make the world a better place, one hour at a time. He also noted that the volunteer work has vastly helped his skills in public speaking and community engagement, two things he struggled with beforehand. Skyler’s experience is a powerful example of how volunteerism can not only transform a community but also transform each of us, as well.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

I love the field of mathematics, and I wanted to channel it into something that could help the community. What better way to do that than to volunteer my time where I used to go when I was younger? I saw they have volunteer applications open during my senior year of high school, so I decided to apply because I love math.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the National Museum of Mathematics?

Usually, I greet visitors and show them how to use the interactive exhibits. For example, when it comes to large exhibits like the Square-Wheeled Tricycle, I’ll usually stand next to it and wait for visitors to come and take a look. I’ll ask if they want to try it, and I’ll guide them to use it safely. If I’m in front of the museum, I will greet them and tell them what’s there at the museum and where everything is.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

I think the most rewarding thing is probably watching all the kids have a good time, knowing that I played a role in it. Most people think math is just a time-consuming subject with a bunch of numbers, but the exhibit is meant to show them a different perspective.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Public speaking and community engagement were the two most important things I didn’t have before I started volunteering. I’m sometimes at late-night events where I give everyone specific instructions on what to do. When it comes to school groups, I give the kids specific instructions on what to do and what not to do in the museum.

How important is it for you to share your love of mathematics with the kids?

I think it’s very important because I grew up thinking math was an annoying subject. But when I went to the museum when I was younger, around age 8 or 9, I realized a different perspective. That’s not true, and I hope that will happen to other kids as well.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

It contributes to your self-esteem. It contributes to your identity when you know you’re making an impact on a mission that you’re passionate about. That’s the main reason. Another one is helping the community.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

It might be scary at first, but once you start, it’s easier in the long run. Today, you can even use artificial intelligence sites to automatically generate a list of nonprofit organizations that offer potential volunteer opportunities.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Whenever you can, make the world a better place, even if it’s only a small amount.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Skyler? Find local volunteer opportunities.