On Volunteering 1. New Chinese immigrants are always amazed that so many public service positions in the US (e.g. member of a town select board) are unpaid and yet people compete and spend money to get elected. 2. Decades ago when I was younger and starting out, I got one piece of golden advice from a mentor: Volunteering is like a bank savings account – you always get back more than you put in. 3. On a practical level, volunteering in your profession, you get to know many more valuable inside information and back stories about your profession earlier than others which give you a leg up in your career. I was definitely amply rewarded for serving in many positions including the presidency of my professional society and receives even benefit/honor in my retirement. 4. Socially, you get to know many more persons which you otherwise will not meet and give you more exposure and notice or seats at a table than otherwise in an isolated existence. My wife has been volunteering for many tasks and committee of our town since we moved here in 1966 and continues to do so even now when she is 90 years old. Locally, I am always introduced as the husband of Sophia Ho and not as a Harvard professor for 46 years. A fact I am also proud of. 5. Both of us are bright examples of the advice of my mentor above. However, we did it not because of the rewards but because of our genuine interests. If one serves in volunteering job with the goal of the rewards, then you will be quickly found out and will actually harm your life and career.

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