Make a differernce in Community – By Sharon Yang
Last year was my first year at the Great Wall Chinese Academy, and what a difference it has made in my life as a Chinese person.
The teachers and staff at this school are much more aware of our needs as students, and they know what benefits and aids us in our journey through adolescence. Through the Great Wall Chinese Academy, I have been exposed to so many community and volunteering opportunities, and participating in these activities has helped me grow as a person. It has opened my eyes as to what is outside my own closed world, and I’ve become more fulfilled.
Each year, ceremonies are held to celebrate Chinese New Years, the moon festival, etc, and I have volunteered at these events as either a promoter for our Chinese school, a ticket collector, or a guide to lead people to their seats in the auditorium. These events are great opportunities to celebrate our identity, traditions, and origin, and they also promote diversity. I have also been on the dragonboat teams for 2 years, and this year will be my third year, and the past 2 years have been with another Chinese school, and we have not been very successful, but I have great hopes for this year. I have also volunteered at Craig Hospital when we served foods to the athletes who were in wheelchairs. That was a very rewarding experience to see the athletes so determined and strong despite their disabilities because they are, after all, still human, and it was very encouraging to see them be able to stay happy even though some of them were missing arms and legs. I have also volunteered at most of the events hosted by the school, and that also includes the kite festival nursing home visits. When 9 Health came to Highlands Ranch for a health screening and blood donation, I volunteered there for over 6 hours helping and guiding people, giving them directions as to which station to go to.
Great Wall Chinese Academy has given me so many opportunities and chances to become and remain active in my community, and I will continue to grab those chances as they come along.
Add comment November 27th, 2008
