Get to know DOROT volunteer Talbot Hall, a writer and director for film and theatre—and self-proclaimed lifelong creative and goofball. In her time with DOROT, she has volunteered as a University Without Walls (UWW) presenter and Caring Calls volunteer, both of which have brought her a great deal of personal fulfillment.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Talbot, and I'm a 29-year-old writer and director for film and theatre. I hail from just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, and recently made a big move to Chicago. I have a feature script that's currently a finalist for The Sundance Lab, and I was recently honored as a Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist for my first feature length drama.
I'm a lifelong creative who loves all kinds of things; chess, music, 35mm photography, good coffee, literature, jazz, film and television, and storytelling in all forms! I am, however, a total goofball. I'm a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts Film and Television program (Fight On, Trojans!) and lived a lot of my life in LA.
How did you first get involved with DOROT?
At the time I started with DOROT, my mental health was extremely poor. I became sick in my mid-20s and it caused me severe depression. My best friend and I decided that it might be helpful if I found an outlet in volunteering. I wanted to restore a sense of purpose in my life that I felt I'd lost. He found DOROT and recognized that I could essentially have any level of commitment that I wanted to as a volunteer.
I chose to volunteer primarily because I was having an extremely difficult human experience, and I feel that a large part of the remedy for suffering is in making human connection, particularly with others who are struggling—for instance, with social isolation. I decided that I needed an outlet for which I had to show up for someone, because in so doing, I was showing up for myself. Eventually things got better, and I made an incredible connection with my Caring Calls partner, and only wanted to become more involved. My mental health improved tremendously, and when I was able to take on more opportunities, I jumped at it. I am so glad that I did.
Why did you choose to be a Caring Calls volunteer and University Without Walls (UWW) presenter?
As I mentioned, I was in a place in life where I needed human connection. Caring Calls was a natural fit; it was low commitment, but extremely meaningful and fulfilling. It brought me tremendous joy to build a one-on-one relationship with my Caring Calls partner and continues to be an enormous source of emotional and interpersonal gratification in my life.
UWW was also a natural fit for me as a person with widely varied experiences who loves teaching. When I learned that I could lead discussions on topics that I was passionate about and discuss them with individuals who also took an interest… it was a no-brainer. I really enjoy getting to lead a discussion for the purpose of facilitating the sharing of other’s ideas and perspectives.
I couldn't ask for a better outlet than UWW in which to share my knowledge and listen to the thoughts of others. I believe that learning is an important lifelong practice, and I have so much respect for older adults who want to learn new things. What I hope they know is just how much I learn from them.
What is one of your favorite moments from your experience as a DOROT volunteer?
Wrapping up my first UWW course. I don't think my attendees knew how nervous I was—and had been—the entire course, but they all unmuted themselves at the end to share that they'd had a great experience and had learned new things in a comfortable, safe environment. It was so uplifting for me. It meant the world to me to be well-received by such lovely people, and to have individuals take time out of their lives to indulge in discussion with me. The kind words of the UWW participants mean the world to me.
What have you learned from volunteering with the DOROT community?
The art of meeting people where they are. DOROT has given me exposure to so many interesting, insightful, kind individuals who come from all different walks of life and are in all different stages of life. Learning how to meet the needs of someone exactly where they are is a skill that I'm coming to hone more and more, and it's such an important life practice. I think a great deal of it simply comes down to listening. What is someone trying to say to you? Why are they sharing it? What is their tone telling you? Once you learn things like this you learn about where an individual is mentally, socially, and emotionally, and I consider that an invaluable skill of human connection.
What would you say to someone else who was deciding whether to become a Caring Calls volunteer or UWW presenter at DOROT?
Absolutely do it. Don't be intimidated, although that's natural. The staff is truly exceptional all-around and will equip you with exactly what you need. People understand that you may be trying something new and believe me—they are understanding and encouraging of it!
It's a positive thing to get out of your comfort zone, and the reward is enormous. Start out with Caring Calls once a week, and just focus on listening. You'll develop a sense of direction by honing your listening skills. It sometimes takes time to break through with someone to foster a connection, but that's the way of life! Connection takes time, but it's worth it.
I think that it's an extremely positive way to gently challenge yourself, and most importantly to meet the needs of an individual with an incredible story. And you'll probably find, much to your delight, that you end up finding a great deal of personal fulfillment.
Anything else you want to add?
I'd just like to thank DOROT for such a warm welcome over the past year. The staff has been exemplary, and so welcoming. It's a great deal of the reason why I feel so empowered to take on more opportunities within DOROT. So, thank you not only for the recognition, but for doing an incredible job in everything you do!