My Rewarding Experience at Give Chances Gian Lee (11th Grade, Academy of the Holy Angels)
My experience at Give Chances has been nothing short of a rewarding experience. I started volunteering at Give Chances around 7th grade because I needed volunteer hours in order to apply to Highschool. When I first started volunteering, I only expected to teach and to give, but I have honestly received so much from this program. The kids have taught me so many valuable lessons that I would have never learned if I hadn’t gone to Give Chances. They taught me the importance of education and taught me that the reason we learn is not for us to keep to ourselves, but it is to share our knowledge with others and change each other for the better. I feel so proud inside whenever I see my students eager to help their peers solve a problem that they are having trouble with, and the change in my students’ attitudes towards learning is proof to me that the real reward from this program is knowing that a small positive action and sharing your knowledge can influence many people a step at a time. It is a privilege for me to be able to teach children who are so filled with potential and to be frank, it warms my heart whenever I see the progress they have made through their hard work and motivation. Although the students have struggles along the way, the volunteers and students find ways to motivate themselves, problem solve, and plan ahead. As a student myself and volunteer at Give Chances for more than 4 years, I can say this program has changed me and how I view the purpose of learning. Even though the pandemic has been an obstacle for all students including myself, we are all learning together and helping each other during these tough times. Through this pandemic, I also realized how much Give Chances helps us positively impact each other and even the community. I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything and I can’t wait to see the students in person after this pandemic is finally over.