Tyler Dang | Staff Writer
The year is coming to an end, and with many uncertainties, the holiday season is shrouded with mixed emotions of stay-at-home sorrow and celebratory festiveness. Even so, one group of optimistic Gabrielino High School students has found a way to make the world brighter by doing what they do best: volunteering.
Senior Justin Tran is amongst those individuals. He takes pride in leadership, community, and hard work by demonstrating knowledge and expertise in those skills. Justin also enjoys reading as much as he does meeting new people and making new friends.
“In my free time, I like to read, join community groups, make friends, meet new people, and take part in leadership groups,” Tran stated.
Tran is continuing to work for multiple organizations such as the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Mobilize Leadership Program and RISE UP FOR YOU, both of which shaped him to be who he is today.
Tran explained, “We had discussed a lot about the act of discrimination, poverty upon the lower class, and changes that need to be addressed within the community.”
Along with Tran, senior Eunice Kay is volunteering with her Girl Scout troop. Having been a Girl Scout since the second grade, she has done many activities. Every year, a new project is set to give back to the community.
“Last year, we raised money to give supplies to an organization called Door of Hope. Recently, we wrote thank you cards and prepared gift baskets to the firefighters in our area to thank them for their hard work,” Kay said.
She enjoys the volunteer work and the interaction she has with new people. Kay also wants to bring hope and encouragement to the people around her.
“COVID has definitely decreased the amount of services available,” she stated, “However, my Girl Scout troop and church community continue to stay active and give back to the community.”
Junior Taylor Lee has also been involved with volunteering for over three years. In addition to volunteering, she has been focusing a lot on her school work.
Lee currently volunteers in four different clubs: Interact, Red Cross, All Camps, and Paws. All of which are dedicated to helping the community and school events.
Motivated by the chance to help others during the harsh times, she explains, “COVID-19 has made it really hard for people to volunteer, but I am trying to make everyone feel better and work through this pandemic.” Even with COVID-19 and the holidays, these students are working hard and doing their best to help others and find new ways to do so. Whether it is to give thanks to local workers or to help those in need, these individuals are sure to shine a brighter light on the community.
