Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of volunteering and contributing to the community. Therefore, at a young age, I have always tried to dedicate my time and effort to help others. Ever since junior high school, I have volunteered in an organization in my Chinese school to contribute what I can to the Chinese community by ensuring safety and to promoting a better learning environment in the school. In addition, I would help organize and carry out events such as ceremonies and dinners. Another volunteer experience was a can food drive a few years ago; besides bringing in canned food for the children at Angels’ Guardian, I also went to help wrap Christmas presents for children.
Today, as a Baruch Scholar student, I still believe that volunteering and contributing to the community is one of my most important roles in society. I know that they are people out there who are less fortunate, and I believe that I have a responsibility to try and help them however I can. With the culture of service that the Honors Program promotes, it makes me even more motivated to do so. By choosing to volunteer with the “I Challenge Myself” organization, I hope to help teenagers who grew up in less developed societies by challenging themselves to create positive change and growth in their own lives. By helping others develop leadership and self-esteem, I believe I, myself, can also grow to be a more mature and responsible young adult.
It means a lot to me to serve my community. I feel a sense of pride when I know that even my smallest steps can contribute a lot to the well being of a society. Seeing the smiling faces of people who I have helped is priceless. I am looking forward to this community service project to contribute what I can to touch the lives of teenagers in today’s less developed society.