8/30/10: Saying Goodbye

After ten months with the Teen Task Force, Zoe Tamaki is retiring to start the next phase of her life at UC Berkeley. Here is her farewell letter to her peers, the Teen Center, and you.

It’s been almost a year since I joined the Teen Task Force.

The past year has probably been one of the most fulfilling and exciting ones of my life. (There are 18 to choose from so that’s pretty good!) Working at the Y, I’ve learned everything from the dangers of asbestos to the importance of professionalism. I’ve seen that colds and enthusiasm are equally contagious. I now know what a lien on a building is and how to file invoices. If I ever need to input a hundred surveys into an excel document again, I know I can do it in two hours. I’ve gained confidence talking to people about who I am and what I believe in.

The most important thing I’ve learned while being on the Teen Task Force has been the importance of having passion for what you do. Prior to working on the Teen Task Force, I wanted to be a Biology major who was pre-med. I then saw myself going into medical school, following the path of Sandra Oh (from Grey’s Anatomy), and finally becoming a doctor. But after working at the Y and seeing how excited everyone was when talking about the Teen Center, I realized that learning about X and Y chromosomes did not give me the same euphoric feeling that they had. I’m not saying that I don’t want to be a doctor anymore, but now I’m also considering a career working with teens.

I love the Y. The past year has been an incredible experience and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with a group of such amazing people.

Zoe was a founding member of the Teen Task Force whose enthusiasm and dedication distinguished her as a leader among her peers. She will be missed at the Teen Center, but we wish her the best as she enters the next phase of her life as a Cal Bear.

Encourage Berkeley teens you know to make a difference, like Zoe. The Teen Center is currently accepting applications to the Teen Task Force! Interested applicants should contact Tairinda Rushing, Leadership Manager of the Teen Center, at trushing@bayma.org for more information.