1. What is your school and grade? How long have you been involved with Hands4Hope? What committees and/or school club have you been involved in?
I’m currently a senior at El Dorado High School and I got involved with Hands4Hope - Youth - Making A Difference at the beginning of my junior year. Since then I have had the opportunity to be part of the Winter Boutique Committee and mainly the Emergency Food Pantry Committee!
2. Why did you join Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference and how did you hear about it?
I first heard about Hands4Hope through ParentSquare. I saw the digital flyer about the Fall Food RoundUp and decided to attend hoping to meet people since I was totally new to the area. I had moved during the middle of the COVID pandemic while school was online and I knew no one so this was the perfect opportunity to meet people!
3. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?
Especially since I joined during the pandemic, Hands4Hope has really helped me in so many ways. I have been able to meet SO many new people and improve my own relationship building and communication skills. It has also given me an opportunity to take on more leadership roles, allowing me to increase my confidence and improve on skills that will prove beneficial in all areas of life such as: time management, teamwork, and professionalism.
4. What has your experience been like since joining?
Since joining Hands4Hope I have been able to gain a family outside of my family. Especially in regards to the Emergency Food Pantry Committee, it’s provided me with a safe place to improve on myself and the skills I have acquired and to create long lasting relationships with positive people. It has been amazing to go from a learning position to now holding a leadership position and being able to step up to help others. My experience has been nothing but positive and it has allowed me to feel like I have a real impact in my community.
5. Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope?
Throughout my experience I have realized the adult mentors/volunteers that are part of the committees, school clubs & various outreaches are incredibly selfless and influential. The relationships I have formed with these adult mentors are some of the best relationships I have. They prove to have the youth and the community’s best interest in mind in everything they do and truly love the work they are doing. They are individuals I know I can always rely on and go to in times of need. Every aspect of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is well thought out and shaped to support the growth of youth!