Volunteer Work
English Lessons, Mekong Style
I spend some of my free time volunteering at the Dolphin School of English in Kratie Province, Cambodia, a small school built by local director Mr. Yuth to give kids in the area a real shot at learning English. I spent my days teaching lessons to children ages 5 through 12, and outside of class, I picked up a hammer to help repair and build out parts of the school building itself. I also helped out behind the scenes with grant writing, since the school runs entirely on donations and every bit of funding matters. It was hard work, often hot and dusty, but watching kids get excited about a new English word or finishing a wall we'd been working on for days made it one of the more meaningful things I've done.
Find out more about volunteering or supporting the Dolphin School of English yourself.
Event Hosting
Geek Trivia
Back in Portland, Oregon, I hosted a weekly geek trivia night where teams of five went head to head across all kinds of oddball rounds: deciphering tricky anagrams, "which is larger" face-offs, and a personal favorite, guessing whether a quote came from Doctor Who or the Olsen twins.
Happy Trees, Happy Causes
I hosted a regular Bob Ross paint night where dozens of folks would gather to paint along with the late, great Mr. Bob Ross. I supplied all the paint and brushes, and every dollar raised went to support House of Dreams, a local animal shelter in Portland, Oregon. Turns out happy trees make for happy fundraising.
Raising Stakes, Raising Funds
I host an annual poker night where local businesses come together for a good cause and a friendly game of cards. We raise funds for various charities, and the only thing folks are really trying to hide is a bad poker face.
When I'm not nerding out, I like to put my fitness degree through its paces, mud runs, axe throwing, powerlifting, you name it. My body has filed several complaints, but I haven't listened to a single one yet.
Fitness
