Giving back
As a high school student, volunteering has been an integral aspect of my life, enabling me to establish profound connections with individuals in my community while making a significant impact. My involvement with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Palo Alto Veteran Hospital, and tutoring elementary and middle school students has instilled in me the significance of compassion, teamwork, and service. These experiences have taught me valuable life skills that I will carry with me beyond high school.
AMERICAN Red Cross (SEP 2021 - PRESENT)
Northern California Youth Ambassador
SEP 2024 - PRESENT
- Highest position for youth in the American Red Cross under the National Youth Council
- Responsible for supporting regional priorities while also engaging with national campaigns
- Special project - developing a Youth Recognition program to reward more youth for their efforts in the organization
- Liaison between region and national headquarters - sending emails from NHQ to region’s youth and vice-versa
- Collecting and sharing region’s engagement stats with National Youth Council
Northern California Coastal Region (NCCR) Volunteer Partner
SEP 2023 - PRESENT
- Highest youth volunteer position in the region → overseeing 1000+ youth volunteers and 60+ youth-led clubs spanning 15 counties
- Plan and run Youth Executive Boards trainings and meetings
- Spearhead volunteer initiatives and competitions (National Youth Involvement Month, Battle of the Bays)
- Assess gaps in Youth Services and brainstorm changes + restructure the system as necessary
- Create Youth Services Frequently Asked Questions page
- Manage all internal email threads and agendas
NHQ:BIO - National Support Team (NST) - Pacific Division Lead
AUG 2023 - PRESENT
- 1 of 6 leads reporting directly to headquarters
- Lead a team of 7 volunteers - who are responsible for conducting 3 interviews/week to onboard potential Red Cross volunteers (Transportation Specialist, Medical Assistant, etc)
- 600+ interviews conducted as a team each year
- Train and onboard team members → make sure they’re prepared to hold interviews appropriately and effectively
- Answer any questions and inform them of changes in the process throughout the year
- Send all reports to headquarters (NHQ) supervisors
Leadership Development Center (LDC) Youth Staff
JUN 2022 - JUN 2024
- 1 of 20 staff members - to lead a camp with 100+ attendees
- Plan and run presentations, activities, and discussions to educate campers on the different lines of services within the Red Cross
- Search and Rescue and refugee simulations, Youth Services panel, Blood Services trivia, etc)
- Supervise campers in cabins, dining halls, and outdoors
- Ensure individuals have clear path onward to join Red Cross as volunteers by the end of camp
Youth Executive Board (YEB) International Services Committee Member
NOV 2022 - MAY 2023
As a part of the International Services Committee East Bay Youth Executive Board member, supported programs in the community to raise awareness of International Red Cross issues. Organized Measles and Rubella Initiative fundraiser and outreach. Organized events and activities related to awareness (Movie nights, service activities). Presented International Services Education seminars to teach students about initiatives.
Palo Alto Veterans Hospital
OCT 2022 - PRESENT
Volunteering at the transportation department of the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital has granted me the opportunity to contribute towards the welfare of veterans. My responsibilities include transporting patients to and from different departments, such as the CT Center and X-Ray, while providing them with care and assistance. Interacting with veterans has been an enriching and humbling experience, which has instilled in me a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by them and their families, and heightened my awareness of the difficulties they encounter.
📚 Key Responsibilities & Learnings
- Assisted in transporting veterans between hospital departments (e.g., CT Center, X-Ray).
- Provided care and support to patients during transit.
- Ensured smooth coordination between different medical units.
- Engaged in meaningful interactions with veterans, listening to their experiences.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
- Developed empathy and a heightened awareness of the challenges veterans face.
- Strengthened communication and interpersonal skills through patient interactions.
- Learned the importance of compassionate care in a healthcare setting.