PHILANTHROPY: Tap into your passion

When Sherman Tam was promoted in June, his new job as a senior marketing manager for a technology firm brought all of the changes he expected to his career.

He had prestige, more responsibility, a bigger team and financial rewards. At age 43, Sherman had achieved the pinnacle of corporate success. “I felt I had accomplished what I wanted to do professionally.”

What he didn’t see coming was the nagging question, which began as a whisper as he settled into his new position: “Is this what I wanted to do with the rest of my life?”

He knew the answer.

“Corporate America was not my thing long-term,” Sherman said. Increasing market share and revenue didn’t compare with the sense of purpose and personal fulfillment he felt whenever he volunteered with a nonprofit organization.

But like a lot of people who feel work dissatisfaction tugging at their spirits, he couldn’t just walk away. He had financial commitments and obligations to fulfill. Furthermore, at a time when nearly 10 percent of the American workforce was unemployed, he knew he was fortunate to have a job.

Still, if he couldn’t pursue his passion for nonprofit work full-time, Sherman would seize every opportunity to integrate it into his life and job. His company gives employees a week with pay each year to participate in a philanthropic effort of their choosing. Last year, Sherman volunteered at an orphanage in Thailand, where mothers leave their children who are disabled, autistic or have HIV/AIDS.

“It was so – not sad,” Sherman said. “These kids were happy. They were treated with respect. They didn’t know they had a special challenge.”

Nor did they know they had helped their American visitor confirm his calling. The experience was so rewarding that helping children became the focus of Sherman’s next volunteer week.

After researching opportunities through http://www.idealist.org/ he decided to spend five days in October with an outreach program in Peru. He had visited the country before and has a good friend who’s a native Peruvian, so he was familiar with the culture.

With 146 students enrolled, the outreach program’s goal is to educate and empower underprivileged children from Hucayan and the poorest parts of Peru.

“My responsibility was basically to teach English to Peruvian kids, ages 6 to 12,” Sherman said. “I went out into the community every day.”

Though none of the children’s parents spoke English “they saw the value of it,” he said. Highlights of the week included meeting Victoria, a 77-year-old woman who was determined to learn English, and bonding with a girl who was dyslexic and blossomed with extra tutoring.

“I had probably more connections with all these kids than I thought I would have,” Sherman said. “The poorest of the poor, they were the most loving and appreciative.”

One thing was clear to Sherman from his experience abroad: His future is helping children.

“I love the smiles. I love the impact I can make and the immediate gratification,” he said.

As he develops a plan to switch from a corporate job to nonprofit work, Sherman ponders the difference that’s possible in the world when everyone, even those struggling with unemployment, pursues a passion.

“This is a perfect opportunity, if they’re not working, to pursue what they’re passionate about,” he said. “This is a time to decide for yourself because the judgment isn’t there. You basically have a white canvas; go and fulfill your fantasy.”  



Sherman Tam (third from left, back row) spent a week in Ocotober teaching English to underprivileged children in Peru.