Volunteering in my community has shown me that challenges are not obstacles that stop us but
opportunities to create change. Through my experiences mentoring other teens and working on
youth homelessness issues, I have learned that hope grows when people take action. I believe
strongly in the power of volunteer work because I have seen how support, guidance, and small
acts of care can make a real difference in people’s lives.

The first program where I volunteered was LeadWithU. For ten weeks, I served as a mentor for
teens around my age. My role was to guide them, support them, and help answer questions about
the lessons we learned in the program. These lessons focused on important topics such as mental
health, community involvement, and public health.

Being a mentor was meaningful to me because it allowed me to help others understand issues
that affect all of us, especially young people. Many teens feel uncomfortable asking questions or
talking about mental health with adults, so I worked to create a safe and supportive environment
where they felt comfortable speaking up. Through this experience, I learned that leadership is not
about being in charge; it is about listening, helping people feel heard, and encouraging others. By
being patient and supportive, I realized that even small conversations can make someone feel
seen and valued. This experience showed me that challenges such as mental health struggles are
not impossible to address when people are willing to help one another.

After completing LeadWithU, I wanted to continue serving my community, which led me to join
Youth in Action, a program that works alongside the Institute for Public Strategies. This program
focuses on addressing youth homelessness in San Diego. Youth homelessness is a serious issue
in our community, and many young people do not have access to basic necessities.

Since October 2025, I have been volunteering with Youth in Action to develop ideas and projects
that support young people experiencing homelessness. One project we have been planning is the
creation and distribution of care bags filled with essential items. These bags will include
toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, and small first-aid kits. While these items
may seem simple, they can make a significant difference for someone who does not have easy
access to hygiene products or medical supplies.

Volunteering on this project has taught me the importance of taking action instead of ignoring
problems. Youth homelessness can seem overwhelming, but our team focuses on what we can do
to help. Through this experience, I have learned that meaningful change often begins with small,
practical acts of service.

Through both of these volunteer experiences, I have learned to see hope instead of despair.
Challenges exist in every community, but they also create opportunities for people to step
forward and help. Whether I am mentoring other teens about mental health or supporting youth
experiencing homelessness, I believe that volunteer service has the power to create positive
change.

These experiences have shaped how I see my role in my community. I want to continue
supporting others, advocating for important issues, and helping create solutions that improve
people’s lives. Volunteering has shown me that even small actions, when carried out with
compassion and commitment, can bring hope to others and strengthen the community around us.