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Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Awards 2024 - Pauline Powell
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation 2024, Queens Public Library recognizes the contributions of its volunteers and spotlights the recipients of the Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Volunteer Award. G.E.M. celebrates individuals that exemplify the values of Queens Public Library and demonstrate stellar customer service and dedication to our patrons and staff.
This year, Queens Public Library recognizes Pauline Powell for her work as an English Conversation Group Facilitator. Pauline has been a volunteer at the Rochdale Village Adult Learning Center for close to a decade and her commitment is unparalleled. “During the pandemic, she was conducting phone calls with her students trying to maintain their learning despite the conditions”, commented Josselyn Atahualpa, Manager of the Rochdale Village Adult Learning Center. “Returning fully back on site in 2023, she quickly became a favorite among the students. Not only is Ms. Pauline an excellent educator, she’s also an excellent community builder that tries to show up to all our gatherings.”
Pauline’s contributions are appreciated by her students as well. “At our end of year celebration, her students prepared a statement and read it out loud publicly, a first for many of them. It was very moving to hear, in their limited writing, how thankful they were to her. Ms. Pauline teaches all of us, not just her students, and we’re very grateful for all that she contributes to this center despite being so busy”.
Meet Pauline Powell...
Q: Tell us a little about yourself (Name, profession or career aspirations)
A: I am a former healthcare professional, having retired after more than 25 years in the industry. My aspiration at this time is to help as many people as I can.
Q: Give 3 words that best describes your personality
A: Three words that best describe me are curious, caring and empathetic, even though I can be silly at times and do not have a problem laughing at myself.
Q: What was your first memorable experience with Queens Public Library (i.e., visiting as a child, attending a program, getting a library card, etc.)?
A: My family relocated to Queens in the early 1980’s. My children were very excited when I took them to get their library cards. They felt extremely important and beamed with pride, particularly when they signed the card at the Rochdale Library. I have fond memories of seeing the pleasure on their faces.
Q: Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience with the library?
A: Always a lover of reading, as an eight or nine year old youngster, I was astounded when I found out that there were adults who were unable to read and write. (I thought everyone knew how to read). I also found out that they were ridiculed and made to feel ”less than”. I started volunteering at Rochdale Adult Center when my children were small but unfortunately, I had to stop due to personal circumstances. I began volunteering again in 2015. It has always been my goal to do my best to assist people in realizing their dream of learning to read.
Q: What are your reasons for volunteering in your role and why you felt a need to serve in this capacity?
A: Education has always been important to me. Reading was one of my hobbies and gave me great joy. My quest to give back and my love of learning inspires me to try and break the cycle of illiteracy among adults. Even though progress may be slow, my students inspire me with their dedication and I take pleasure in seeing their faces when they attain even the smallest milestone.
Q: What are 2-3 skills that you have learned while volunteering with the library and how they are useful to you?
A: During my time as a volunteer, I have become more confident in speaking, certainly more compassionate and do not take myself too seriously.
Q: What are 2-3 tips that you would tell someone thinking about volunteering with the library or just started to volunteer with the library?
A: My suggestions to a prospective volunteer is to recognize that:
- the adults are very smart in spite of being unable to read
- you get pleasure from helping and the students are very appreciative
- every small improvement is progress
Q: The library continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are two new ways you would like to support the community through the library? Why?
A: To maintain its relevancy and service to the community, the library could explore the possibility of visiting senior centers and schools, to explain and reinforce the many incredible programs that the library offers.
