One of the biggest experiences in which I have been involved is the HOPE (Hispania’s
Organized for Political Equality) Youth Leadership Program.

I had the chance to survey Latinas in high school and how they feel about college readiness and
what challenges they face by being first-generation students like myself.

My group and I devised a local and statewide solution for the issues presented. This made me
realize that it is crucial to speak up for our community. If it were not for roles like this that I have
participated in, I would not have understood how important it is to fight for our well-deserved
rights and make an effort to make change for the better.

As a result, I noticed that many first-generation students are unaware of the requirements to
graduate. For example, community service. This inspired me to create a club called Helping
Hands, which everyone is open to joining and as a community, come hand in hand to serve our
neighborhoods.

I am the president and founder of this club in our high school. In our club, we organize two
community service events every month and work with our Chula Vista High School’s garden
club every other Tuesday for volunteer hours. We have worked with multiple organizations
throughout the year. Some include the Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Calvary, Balboa Park’s
Japanese Friendship Garden, Food for the Hungry, and the Epilepsy Foundation.

Our volunteer work has varied from events like beach clean-ups to egg hunts for children with
special needs. In addition, we have organized events on our own like a Christmas toy drive for
kids in orphanages in Tijuana, BC.

As President, I am responsible for creating our club’s monthly presentations, public speaking in
our meetings with members, organizing and creating volunteer events, conducting and
administrating fundraisers, doing the necessary paperwork, getting a food handler’s certificate by
the San Diego County, administrating our club’s social media page, and creating daily posts
regarding event information and fundraisers. As a volunteer, I have participated in many events
that help our local communities.

From a more personal perspective, I have been able to witness the dedication of many
organizations that offer their time, here to help the greater good, and have been inspired to keep
my cub going for the next generations.

As a volunteer, I have felt accomplished because I have helped clean our environment, created a
the greener and eco-friendly environment in our school advocated for children and families who
have lived in poverty, brought joy to kids who would not have had Christmas presents, and help
students in my high school contribute to our community as well.

My monetary award will go to Serving Orphans and Widows Ministries.

Soroptimist International of Coronado congratulates Shaiel on being one of our High School
Service Awardees.