Volunteer Spotlight - Serena Capozi
Il Punto prides itself on the continuous dedication and support we receive from our members. But we can use even more! Read how one of our volunteers finds fulfillment volunteering for Il Punto and then consider volunteering for one or more of: Staffing and organizing events; Library assistants for the BIS; Conversation groups moderators; NOI Bimbi assistants and teachers; Membership communications: E-mails, Facebook, Instagram, website content; Information technology, tech support, website administration.
Volunteer Spotlight on Serena Capozi, Conversation Group Moderator
Serena Capozi, born in Italy and now living in Seattle, has been moderating Il Punto! Conversation Group classes since July 2019. Learn more about this dedicated volunteer, and what drives her involvement, in our Q&A below.
Q: Where are you from in Italy and how did you end up living in the USA? What do you miss most?
A: I grew up in a town close to Rome surrounded by gentle mountains and beautiful medieval villages. I left Italy in 2012 and moved to Seattle because my husband got a job offer here. Nostalgia is part of myself now. What I miss the most is the feeling of being home (is home a feeling or a place?) along with the possibility of spending time with family and friends.
Q: What do you do for work, and what do you like to do in your free time?
A: I work remotely for an Italian company. When I am not working, I practice capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines movements and traditional music. I also love going for hiking adventures here and am so grateful to be surrounded by such gorgeous mountains! When it is not possible to get lost in the wild, I enjoy long walks in the Seattle parks. I also like cooking, baking and explore new recipes.
Q: What would you choose for your last meal?
A: I would like to surprise you with a 3-star Michelin menu, but my passion for pizza is stronger than ever. I find real pleasure in food only if I can share it with good company, so I will probably go with my family and friends to an authentic Italian pizzeria and order a traditional Italian pizza, maybe a Margherita? Yes, I am a cheap last-meal date! When it comes to dessert the choice gets more complicated because I have a never-ending wish list. I will go with a rum baba and then I would like to enjoy a digestivo with traditional ciambelline al vino from my region.
Q: How did you first get involved with Il Punto?
A: I used to borrow Italian books from Il Punto’s Biblioteca Italiana Seattle. One of the BIS volunteers asked me if I was interested in volunteering for Il Punto. Later, he put me in touch with the people in charge of organizing the Italian Conversation Groups and, after a few months, I moderated my first class. I didn’t really know what to expect; I was a bit stressed but it ended up being an enriching experience, so I am still part of the volunteer team!
Q: What motivated you to become a Conversation Group moderator?
A: In my free time I like to give back to the community and I volunteer for different NGOs (non-governmental organizations) with different missions. So why not volunteer with the organization that promotes Italian culture in the Pacific Northwest?
Q: What do you like about moderating the Conversation Groups?
A: It provides an opportunity to get in touch with local Italian language lovers. I was intrigued by the reasons that drive them to learn Italian, and I was eager to know which cultural aspects of the Italian heritage move their interest. I like to share ‘niche’ information about the Italian culture, which may be more difficult to access as a foreigner. I hope in this way to encourage the participants to dive into the Italian heritage and to go beyond the cultural stereotypes and misrepresentation still present in the US. Also the class is fun, and having fun while learning is a winning formula, isn’t it?
Q: Would you recommend volunteering as a moderator to other native Italians like yourself? What advice would you give them?
A: I definitely recommend it! I would just advise any potential volunteer to give it a try. It is a good opportunity to meet new people and share some time in a friendly and supportive environment. I am sure they will not regret it!
Please consider volunteering in one or more of:
- Staffing and organizing events
- Library assistants for the BIS
- Conversation groups moderators
- NOI Bimbi assistants and teachers
- Membership communications: E-mails, Facebook, Instagram, website content
- Information technology, tech support, website administration
- Serve on the Board of Directors