Reported by Cassie Tammy Wang
Greater Princeton AYLUS (GPA), NJ Branch, has many talented members. Since December 11th, 2018, we have started to feature some of them on our web page, so all GPA members get to know each other. Hopefully, it would also help with more constructive and collaborative teamwork among GPA members in our volunteer activities! So here comes one of our proud members Steven Chen:
Self-Introduction Provided by Steven Chen:
My name is Steven Chen, and I am a 6th grader at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart.
Our school’s philosophy teaches us five main goals, which are Believe, Persevere, Grow, Respect, and Serve. Princeton Academy regularly hosts community service events, like Rummage Sales, Bake Sales, and Recycling Projects to raise money for non-profit support organizations. For example, we recently knitted cotton blankets out of plastic yarn for animals in need at nearby shelters. This makes me feel that even though I am only 11 years old, I still can use my talents to help people and make their lives better.
Two of my hobbies are playing the piano and the cello. I began learning the piano when I was 6 years old and picked up the cello at 9. Through my many years of practice on both instruments, I have learned that music helps me relax and unwind, whether it be from listening to music or making music myself. As for past experience, I have performed at multiple senior centers. When I saw their faces light up and smiles stretch from eye to eye, it was the first time I realized that me and my music could make them feel that life is ever so beautiful.
Another one of my favorite things to do is to play tennis. Every week, I spend about 9 hours on tennis, and I am improving bit by bit. Even though currently I may not be able to use this skill to help people, I still want to tell them that sports are important, not only because they keep us healthy and fit, but also because they teach us to persevere. No matter how bad you’re losing, as long as the game is not over, you still have a chance to come back.
To summarize it all, helping people makes me feel better. From the small things in life, like holding the door for a stranger, to the big things, like saving lives, we should always keep a warm and loving heart toward others. Now that I have joined the Greater Princeton AYLUS (GPA) and realized that it gives me more opportunities to lend a helping hand to others. I want to thank GPA! I wish to meet more companions in the future and work together to make our world a better place.
