I’m really looking for what may have been the driving motivation and reward. The focus is on your personal drive for the interest and what you gained from it.
We can’t have meaningful conversations if people are scared to be honest, so please be authentic, forthcoming, and respectful. Conversely, please respond to others with compassion so that users feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
This is a very public platform and you’re asking somewhat private questions. My humble suggestion is that you find causes that you care about, look up organisations that cater to those causes and reach out. For me it was joining up with the local Food Not Bombs. Usually there’s relevant flyers at the local vegan cafe, co-op, employee owned cafe, church foyer, or soup kitchen.
Good luck.