On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, AYLUS Roslyn Branch volunteered at Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island from 1:30 to 5:00pm. We acted as teaching assistants, helping students to the bathroom, handing out and collecting work, and helping students with material they don’t understand. Today, there was a recital where students recited poems to a panel of judges.
As TAs we helped students settle in, especially kids who are younger and require more assistance. We helped teachers with slideshows and videos, and we engaged with kids, alleviating homesickness and ensuring everyone was comfortable. During breaks, we would walk students to the concession stand where students can purchase a variety of snacks through coupons, a school currency earned by students. Soon after the break, older students and TAs head to culture class. TAs assist with calligraphy, art, dance, and more. At 5, each TA ensures students leave safely with their parent before signing out.
TAs assisted walking classes to the recital, making sure all kids stay in line and don’t get lost. We sat with students, helping calm their nerves, making sure they don’t get rowdy, and rehearsing with them. Once it was time for the students to perform, TAs helped guide students on and off stage in the correct order. Afterward, TAs walked classes back to their classrooms.
Being a TA is truly an enriching experience that teaches patience, kindness, and responsibility. It allows us to give back to those who’ve helped us the most, teachers. It opens our perspective to struggles of those younger than us and older than us, shaping us to be more compassionate and empathetic.
Simon Long (3.5 hours), Hunter Chen (3.5 hours), Joy Zou (3.5 hours), Sofia Chen (3.5 hours), Jinrui Lei (3.5 hours), Lyann Lin (3.5 hours), Elizabeth Ouyang (3.5 hours), Jasmine Lin (3.5 hours), Jasmine Wang (3.5 hours), Mingyao Xu (2.5 hours)
Reporter: Jasmine Wang
