Returning the favor

Realizing how much she enjoyed being in that environment, surrounded by people who share her values and dedication to Christianity, she signed up to be a part of the youth committee in her church in the summer before eighth grade. Now, she has a variety of responsibilities, such as leading worship and congregation or planning events, and holds a leadership position.

Something that initially began as a small commitment now takes up three days of Dong’s week, but she has no regrets. Because she enjoys her work and feels so passionate about it, the large amount of time she dedicates toward volunteering at the church seems much more like a family gathering rather than work.

Aside from staying true to her beliefs and values, Dong’s main motivation for what she does is to give back to God and attempt to repay Him for all He has done for her.

“God has done so much for us, so I feel like it’s my turn to give back a portion of that,” Dong said. “Instead of just offering money, we’re offering our time and that’s so much more valuable.”

Giving back and looking ahead

Like most high schoolers, senior Harjot Sidhu volunteers to give back to the community by bettering lives. However, she also gets closer to her aspirations and future career at the same time.

Interested in architecture and particularly urban planning, Sidhu volunteers at a nonprofit urban planning firm called Spur, which stands for ideas and action for a better planned and more efficient, safe city. The firm hosts events, advocates for change and holds public awareness events to educate people about specific initiatives and concerns.

“I’m interested in architecture as a career and also want to give back to my community, so I thought this firm was the best place for me,” Sidhu said.

To her, what makes the firm special as well as more effective than others is its hiring of local students and community members. While other firms turn toward companies like BART, which is responsible for implementing transit systems in the Bay Area, Spur gets its advising from the community to find solutions to better the city as much as possible.

“Spur recognizes that community members have a perspective and opinions that no one else can provide,” Sidhu said.

Passionate about improving the community she grew up in and also eventually using the skills she gains at Spur in the future in other cities, Sidhu is more than satisfied with her volunteering and could not imagine herself giving back in a better way.

Meeting some, helping others

What began as simply a way to become more outgoing has transformed into a way for junior Mahesh Murag to passionately give back to his local community, while learning how to take leadership and initiative. He joined Octagon, the biggest volunteer club on campus, in his freshman year. He was motivated to join to meet new people, as he saw many of his friends doing the same.

“It’s a place where I can meet other people, but it’s also a way for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” Murag said.

Aware of the stereotype surrounding service clubs that assumes that students only join to accumulate hours and bolster college applications, Murag states that these assumptions are false for most Octagon members. While these benefits are among some of the reasons for joining, what keeps members active in the club is actually their dedication to the service they do for the community.

“Most people in the club definitely care about the club and what they’re doing,” Murag said, “and one example of this would be CCC.”

Cure Cancer Cafe, an annual event hosted by Octagon to raise money for cancer research and patients, is a prime example of the club’s members acting out of benevolence rather than self-interest. Many sign up to hold leadership positions, despite not receiving any hours in return.

“We care about helping people and if the end result is positive, that’s all that matters,” Murag said.

Splash of color

Just as with great power comes great responsibility, with amazing talent comes an expectation to help others, a requirement that freshman Trent Yu attempts to fulfill. He volunteers at local senior retirement homes and plays his instrument for their residents.

Aside from being something fun to do outside of school, the volunteering also gives Yu a sense of purpose.

“It’s really fun, but it also makes me feel like I’m doing something useful with my life,” Yu said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not really accomplishing anything, but doing this changes that a little.”

For Yu, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the residents’ faces light up as they sway to the music while watching him play his violin. He prides himself on giving the regulars something to look forward to and something different from their daily norm.

“It makes me proud knowing I helped someone using my own ability and added a little color into their lives,” Yu said.

In addition to helping the residents, Yu’s volunteering has also had a major impact on his personality. Previously very shy and afraid of speaking up, interacting with the regulars has made him feel more confident in front of strangers, as he feels appreciated solely for his talent rather than being judged based on his appearance or personality.

For Yu, volunteering is more than just a list of hours or a filled box on a college application. Although he recognizes that he gets something in return for his service, his approach toward volunteering comes from a place of selflessness. It’s a chance to improve the lives of other people, while improving his own at the same time.

“The result that comes from people who actually care about their volunteering will always be better than the result of people who volunteer just for the sake of it,” Yu said.

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