An inspiring expat spouse: Shakira Miracle
2009-04-05
This month, we hear more about the inspiring journey of Shakira Miracle, Magic Hospital China Director.

Jasmine: "Shakira, tell us a bit more about your transition to life in Beijing?"
Shakira: "I am from California and my husband is from Vancouver, Canada. Since we had already lived in China before and both studied abroad here in years past, we knew what to expect. However, I think anyone who enters a new culture experiences trouble with adjusting regardless of how prepared they are. I have learned to listen and accept or ignore unsolicited advice from our neighbors…and random people on the street. If we think about it, it’s not all that different from getting an earful from our mother-in-law?"

Jasmine: "How did your involvement with Magic Hospital in China start?"
Shakira: I have worked in the development field for the nonprofit sector throughout my career. Prior to Beijing, I worked for Mount Sinai Medical Center as a Development Officer for the Trustees and high-level donors. While searching for NGOs in Beijing where I could utilize my skills, I discovered Magic Hospital in a magazine and reviewed their website. After meeting them, I began managing programs, then fundraising, and later coordinating operations in China."

Jasmine: "For our readers who are not familiar with Magic Hospital, can you tell us more about this not-for-profit organization?"
Shakira: "The mission of Magic Hospital is to serve sick, handicapped, orphaned, and at-risk children who are temporarily or permanently deprived of a carefree and happy childhood. The mission is executed in three ways: to develop innovative programs that restore an element of fun in the children’s lives; support their physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being; add value to local initiatives."

Jasmine: "What does it really mean to volunteer for a not-for-profit organization? Is it as rewarding as one often hears?"
Shakira: "Volunteering is what you make of it. If you are enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and are willing and able to commit the time required, your experience can be truly one you will never forget. When people ask me what I do, I get so excited to answer because I know in my own way I am making a difference. The difference may be large or small, but effective and active all the same. Give me a person who cares about others and is willing to work hard, and I’ll give you someone who strives to improve themselves and the world around them."

Jasmine: "So, would you recommend other expat spouses to volunteer in China?"
Shakira: "Absolutely! It is fulfilling in a variety of ways. You meet new people, gain some life-long friends, learn more about the place where you live, and learn skills that can benefit you professionally and personally."

Jasmine: "Can you let us know more about the specific skills you gained out of this experience?"
Shakira: "Absolutely. I have learned to be a more diplomatic and patient speaker. The Magic Hospital team is composed of individuals from countries all over the world, including Chinese. In addition, we work in China, a country with its own rules, culture, and interpersonal style. It is incredibly important to learn how to listen to others, refrain from judgment, and work as a team.
I have also learned a great deal about the NGO environment in China, including its legal structure and management style.
And of course, future employers will value this volunteering experience. In the US, if you seek a job in the nonprofit sector and have volunteered, your specific experience will be taken into consideration. The employer will value volunteer experience as it will exemplify your passion and support for the type of work they do."

Jasmine: "On another note, what have been the main challenges of getting involved in Magic Hospital and managing teams of volunteers?"
Shakira: "Great question, because it relates specifically to the challenges of managing volunteers in China. Because the nonprofit sector is still very new in China and is still evolving, many volunteers are expatriates. However, we have a growing number of Chinese. That being said, the greatest challenge we have faced is handling turnover. The expatriates who volunteer for Magic Hospital tend to live in Beijing anywhere between six months and 3 years. During that time, a lot can happen – new employment or returning to school, growing families, sudden relocation, etc. Therefore, we struggle with planning beyond six months or so as we never know if our core team of volunteers will change. It is best if we can find volunteers who are willing to commit at least one year."

Jasmine: "After this exciting China chapter, how do you see your next life & career chapter?"
Shakira: "Well, it appears I am already in the midst of it. We will have our first baby in June, so I plan to spend a lot of time focused on that. I am also in the midst of earning my MBA, which will enhance my skills and education for more administrative roles in the nonprofit sector once we return to Canada or the US.
However, what I enjoy most about life is the unexpected."

Good luck Shakira!

More about Magic Hospital:
The organization was founded in 2003 by a core group of volunteers who, led by Claudia Vogg, visited sick children in Beijing hospitals on a weekly basis. Ms. Vogg realized there was a lack of activities or programs in Chinese hospitals which support the children’ s emotional well-being. After careful research, Magic Hospital was established and began by sending clowns into the hospitals. In 2004, Magic Hospital was registered as a nonprofit in France and has since carried out a number of programs for special needs children there as well.
Today, the majority of programs are active in major cities within China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou). Our programs include: Clowns & Co., Music Enrichment, Art Therapy, Outdoorsy Day, and Abracadabra.
Please visit www.magichospital.org , for more information.