Katie Larson generously gives her time to TPR. From taking calls during pledge drive to checking people in at member events, Katie represents the best in Texas Public Radio volunteers.
Katie agreed to answer some questions about her experiences as a volunteer.
What is your background?
I've lived in San Antonio for a little over four years. I'm originally from Orlando, FL, and I graduated from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in 2005 with a degree in Linguistics. I taught English as a Second Language in Japan for three years before moving to San Antonio where I now work for the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland AFB.
How long have you been volunteering for TPR?
It was one of my New Year's resolutions for 2012, and I've been volunteering with TPR for almost a year now. I try to help out with at least one event every month.
How did you learn about TPR and what prompted you to get involved?
I've always been a fan of NPR, and it's the only station my car radio is ever tuned to. Besides family, public radio is what I miss most when I'm overseas. I became a TPR member three years ago, and this year I wanted to do more to support the station and the community besides writing a check during the pledge drive.
For what events have you volunteered with TPR?
Cinema Tuesday, KPAC's 30th Anniversary Celebration, Media Sponsorship events, Owl Radio 10 Year Celebration, Beethoven Celebration, and Pledge Drive -- always my favorite!
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience?
The best part about volunteering with TPR is meeting others in the community who are equally passionate about public radio.
Do you have an inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?
I love public radio for the interesting stories and unique points of view it provides its listeners, and in my experience volunteering for TPR, I've loved meeting supporters of public radio who also have interesting stories and unique points of view to share. During the fall pledge drive, I answered phones next to a woman who spent her younger years as a dancer and entertainer in Europe, and she told me about the time she met Ernest Hemingway on a transatlantic sea journey heading back to the States. She and Hemingway were the only two passengers that weren't overcome by seasickness and who showed up to dinner that night!
Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with TPR?
I've found that it's been quite easy to fit volunteer events into my schedule. Volunteers are encouraged to help out as frequently or infrequently as they'd like, and Elisa is always flexible and accommodating.
If you would like to volunteer, email Elisa at elisa@tpr.org or click here.