On November 1, 2026, the AYLUS Roslyn branch volunteered as teacher assistants at the Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island (CCALI) from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist students and teachers with daily tasks which included schoolwork, preparations, and more to make sure everything was as neat and efficient as possible.
The first part of the volunteering experience revolved around assisting students and teachers with their assigned tasks. We were responsible for welcoming each student and helping them get settled and prepared before class started. During this downtime, the teacher provided class assignments, and homework for us to distribute or collect. While the students settled into the class, the teacher would often play videos introducing basic Chinese concepts to allow them to review and reinforce their understanding. We also helped by accompanying students during breaks and bringing them to the bathroom, allowing the teacher to focus more on teaching and managing the class. Usually, each class had around one to two teaching assistants who cooperated together, ensuring that lessons ran smoothly, and that students could make the most of their learning time.
The second part of the volunteering experience involved cultural classes. These classes offered a variety of activities, including dance, arts, chess, diabolo, and martial arts. I was assigned to assist with arts, where I had the opportunity to watch the students build their creativity. At the same time, I saw the amazing creations they painted, all while ensuring the messes remained minimal.
Volunteering as teaching assistants allows us to acquire valuable experience in understanding the responsibilities of a teacher. It also strengthens our important qualities such as teamwork, responsibility, and patience. Additionally, it lets us interact with excited students and assist in their learning to help them succeed in their classes.
Reporter: Aidan Li
Karina Shao (3.5 hours), Chloe Liu (3.5 hours), Kayden Lin (3.5 hours), Neal Zheng (3.5 hours), Aidan Li (3.5 hours)
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