NEW YORK—Volunteering isn't just something to do on the weekends, it's a way of life for Petra Bebas.
When Bebas was in high school she was told she was too young to help build houses for the less fortunate with Habitat for Humanity, so she did the next thing—she spent one whole week wrapping Christmas gifts to help raise money for the effort. In college, she volunteered with various organizations and started to take on a more demanding role, coordinating volunteer trips.
Now at 22 and still filled with hope for a better world, Bebas is working to fight hunger in New York City as a full time volunteer (with a small stipend) at the Coalition Against Hunger.
Q: As a volunteer what was one of your most memorable and fulfilling experiences?
I would say Alternative Spring Break, this past year actually. I think I like it the most because I would see the whole project I was working on from the very beginning to the very end and I would be involved in every step. By the time that we accomplished what we accomplished I could appreciate all the work that went into it and see how it actually made an impact.
Q: What do you find most frustrating about the problem of hunger in New York City? Uh gosh, I don't think that there is one particular thing that I find the most frustrating about the problem of hunger in New York City. What is frustrating is that it's not just a simple answer.
You can't just say let's give more money to this or let's give more money to that, or if only people were more like this or more like that, it's just such a complex multi-dimensional issue, that really has to be tackled from so many different ends to actually really eradicate this problem. And I think that all the work that the various people are doing and various organizations including the New York City Coalition Against Hunger are making a impact. There is just no one simple answer.
Q: Could you tell our readers what are the top two myths about food stamps?
A: I would say that one of the myths is that food stamps actually cover the cost of food for a family. It's not meant to cover the cost of food for a family, it's to supplement the cost of food. The amount of money that people get for food stamps is outdated. I would say another myth about food stamps is that if people aren't on it, it's because they haven't tried to get on food stamps.
Q: It takes a selfless person to do the work you do. What motivates you every morning to get up do the work you do?
A: I really like the kind of work that I do. I personally find it really fulfilling. For me there are a lot of things I enjoy, but to do something on a daily basis—that I have to dedicate 40 hours a week, if not more—I really need to know or at least believe that it's actually making a difference in my community and in the world and for other individuals.
Q: How does Petra relax on her days off?
A: Listens to music constantly. In fact, I am listening to John Coltrane right now in the background. I also like to knit, which I was just doing a few seconds ago. I like being out with my friends. I also like to find new and interesting things to do in the City.
Q: What do you like about New York City?
A: First thing is I like that I don't have to drive anywhere. I get to walk lots and lots every single day. I also really like that there is a lot of art and music and culture and food of all sorts to appreciate and experience.