Volunteer Alumni in Profile: Walter Pang

WalterWhat was your involvement with Youth Central?

 

My first project with Youth Central was at the Salvation Army in Grade 10. When I signed up for the project, I thought I was simply helping the soup kitchen with their daily routine. As expected, we began the project by slicing and dicing vegetables, packing sandwiches, and the like. It was not until we began to serve meals to the homeless that I had a life-changing epiphany and realized how fortunate I truly was. More importantly, with only a few hours of my time, I was able to make a difference.

 

That experience was the catalyst for hundreds and hundreds of hours with Youth Central. I was involved in a variety of programs, including the Youth Volunteer Corps Steering Committee, Mayor’s Youth Council, and CBC Teen Critic. My main involvement though was leading and founding the TD Youth Earth Ambassadors, which still runs to this day!

 

What did you learn from being a part of Youth Central?

 

I could go on and on about the valuable lessons I learned at Youth Central – of which there are many – but the first ones that come to my mind are modesty, empathy, and ability.

 

The people you volunteer with come from all walks of life. It’s humbling because you realize you can learn something about anything from anyone. In this journey, you get exposed to all types of experiences, from organizing school recycling programs to helping out with your local soup kitchen. By being exposed to different causes, you begin to realize how fortunate you really are. The best part? You see the fruition of your work. Every hour you put into the community is an hour spent saving the planet or fighting poverty. When you start to see this, you realize you have the incredible ability to make the world a better place.

 

Favorite Experience?

 

Tough question, but I would have to say the first meeting for the Youth Earth Ambassadors. We had no money, no organization, and really, no idea what we were doing. The only thing we had was a group of passionate kids and an ambitious dream – to create a network of environment clubs in Calgary. The energy and excitement of that meeting will forever be embedded into my mind.

 

What have you been up to since Youth Central?

 

I studied in Ontario for university and dabbled with a few things here and there. More recently, I was struck by wanderlust and just came back from a three-month trip across Asia. In September, I will be joining the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in their Private Investments Rotation Program.

 

Would you be willing to have youth from Youth Central who are interested in your field of study contact you if they had more questions about your school, your work, etc…?

 

Of course! I sought advice from strangers all the time and have always felt the need to continue to pay it forward. Always free to chat whenever and wherever.

 

Future Goals?

 

To be happy, to be healthy, and to make a difference – that simple!