| Volunteer Spotlight: Trista Cornelius |
| November 28, 2012 |
Q. How long have you been veg and why?
A. I’ve been veg for almost seven years. I tried being vegetarian rather ignorantly in
college and then haphazardly off and on again for years. In 2006, I decided to be
vegan for ten days just to give myself a challenge. I didn’t expect it to make me
feel light and energized and positive.
Q. How has being veg impacted your life?
A. Better quality of life, more mindful, and more adventurous: I strongly believe
that what we eat shapes our quality of life profoundly. I am happier, healthier,
less tired, and feel better than I did ten years younger. It has also made me more
mindful. I pay attention to what I eat, how I eat it, and how I feel as a result.
Finally, I’ve become a much more adventurous eater, and fitting a more diverse and
satisfying range of food into my life than ever before.
Q. How did you get involved with volunteering for NW VEG?
A. My husband and I attended one of the first VegFests, packed into the basement of
a church. I didn’t quite get what it meant to be a member, so it was a few years
before I started paying for a family membership to support NW VEG events. Then
I volunteered to write for the newsletter, which I love doing, and I was inspired by
a Volunteer Spotlight on Eric Day to volunteer at Veg Fest because he made it
sound so fun.
Q. What has been your favorite or most memorable NW VEG volunteer experience?
A. I love writing for the newsletter and getting to research, email, and occasionally
meet or talk with veg business owners and leaders. For example, this month, I
talked with David Lee, the creator and owner of Field Roast. He was so energized,
enthusiastic, creatively inspired, and genuine about his company and products.
It’s really inspiring to see this positive side of the business world. The owner of
Dr. Kracker was the same way -- so excited about what his company is doing to be
“green” and sell healthy and satisfying plant-based foods. Finally, at VegFest, I
got to meet Dr. Esselstyn and chat with him about the schedule; he was totally
down-to-earth, calm, and present, even though about ten people hovered nearby
waiting to talk with him hours before VegFest even started!
Q. What advice would you give to individuals considering volunteering for NW VEG?
A. It’s easy to show up to volunteer even if you don’t know anyone (and if you’re shy
like I am) because you all have a diet and lifestyle in common, which sparks
instant conversation. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming to volunteer. I
probably spend about four hours a month writing for the newsletter, and
volunteering the days of VegFest has become an annual tradition for me.
Q. What is your favorite veg meal, either homemade or from a restaurant?
A. I might literally be addicted to kale. I love it roasted as “chips.” I love it tossed
into boiling pasta for the last few seconds and then laced with a bit of sea salt and
nutritional yeast. I love it raw in a wheat tortilla with mustard, some nuts, and
maybe some leftover veggies from the night before. I haven’t yet tried it in my
morning oatmeal, but don’t be surprised if I end up loving that too.
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