Introduction

Why You Should Volunteer

There are many reasons why volunteering is a great thing to do. First of all, it’s always good to give back to the community. By volunteering, you are positively affecting everyone around you and that is very much benefiting to your community. Giving back will familiarize you with everyone around you and help you grow as a person. It will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life and help you understand how you fit into your community. Also, you can learn many skills from volunteering. For example, leadership. We have learned how to become a leader at the TVC, whether that means taking action when something goes wrong, or just simply guiding everyone in the right direction. Another great skill we have learned is compassion. We have to be compassionate when we are thinking about the "why" behind what we are doing and what motivate us.

TEEN VOLUNTEER COUNCIL BOARD

Caitlyn Li

Co-President

Nicole Zhong

Co-President

Alex Ye

Vice President

Ryan Lin

Director of Digital

Hana Yang

Director of Organization

Yi-An Liao

Director of Funds

Anna Wang

Director of Marketing

Gabriel Chen

Director of Community Outreach

Lauren Ye

Director of Membership

TVC SUB-TEAMS

Currently, we have members from 6th to 12th grade representing schools all around the metro Detroit area. We have established TVC sub-teams. The members will hear from each lead of the team to begin activities and receive training. All the TVC members will not be restricted to the group you sign up for, as we will leverage your talents for future planning in other areas as well. We look forward to your abundance of volunteerism, energy, and diverse ideas.

Volunteer Experience

By Nicole Zhong

My time with the TVC has been brief but very rewarding. In less than a year, I’ve already been a part of three big projects, and worked hard to reach a leadership position. While at times sticking with this 16 evolving program has been tedious, I am appreciative for every experience, and wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

As I stated beforehand, when I joined the TVC it was a small but determined group of people who were working inside the ACA Library. Now, with the expansion of members and committee duties, we have a full program that is dedicated to the ACA cause. It has been so fruitful and informative to be a part of a program that is evolving in this way, almost like levelling up! Seeing the program change has taught me so much about leadership and responsibility, since I needed to step into roles that I’ve never had to worry about before.

While handling so much responsibility and spontaneity would prove to be a challenge, it was a challenge that I was willing to push myself through because I knew it would be fulfilling in the end. Since the program was so new, I was able to tap into creative, analytical, and leadership roles to figure out what was the best fit for me. The opportunities and possibilities were ultimately endless, and I had the chance to take a risk. Those chances don’t come often. I would say that being a TVC volunteer is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It challenges you, motivates you, and pushes you to be creative and think outside the box. There is no one telling you what to do… you are the one that needs to take initiative. I think that an opportunity like that for students doesn’t come around often.

This year I received the Gold President’s Volunteer Award, which is awarded for completing 100+ hours of service. While I am honored to have received this award, I am not taking it as a sign to take a break, but instead as a sign to keep pushing forward. Through these 100+ hours of service, I’ve learned that I am incredibly passionate about certain causes, such as AAPI representation and quality education for all, but especially young kids.

A lot of the projects I tackled included tutoring and mentoring young students from all different backgrounds. Oftentimes I would read with the students and hold discussions with them about the book, and just get them excited and curious about learning. Other times I would be the one teaching a class, picking and choosing subjects myself. Through participating in many programs I ended up working with kids from all different cultures, socioeconomic classes, and qualities of life. I even taught kids from across the globe!

At school I am a Student Service Leader, one of two per grade. As an SSL, I am one of the directors of service at my school, and constantly coming up with new projects for our school to tackle. This month alone I organized a holiday clothing drive for the homeless at our school, and it was a huge success! We ended up donating eleven XXL-sized boxes to a local homeless organization to use!

All in all, service is a huge part of my life and something that I am incredibly passionate about. It is also a big factor as for why I decided to join the TVC; I hope to inspire others about service and giving back to the community. As a director, that is one of my missions for the next few years. We are only going to go up from here.

Volunteer Experience

By ShanShan Ye

Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, I have worked in countless projects and organizations, earning myself enough volunteer hours to receive a gold award. I earned many hours from working with ACA through the TVC and the summer camp, and additional hours through helping ACA perform during events and gatherings. I additionally earned hours at my local Chinese School, MNCCS, by serving as a morning shift manager, yoyo instructor, and AG coach. My Presidental’s Volunteer Service Award represents my drive to give back to my community and my gratitude towards their support of me. I thank everyone for allowing me to spread love within my community and instilling the strong community values I have today.