Since the initial volunteering with VSA Future in July 2024, the Summit NJ AYLUS branch has developed a deeper connection with the organization in the summer. In August, two members assisted the center and its director, Dr. Julia Guo, on a regular basis.
They played an important role in the installation of the new center. They cleaned and assembled signages, making sure that all displays were pristine and visually appealing.
The team also installed various pieces of furniture, providing a functional and welcoming environment. They worked to configure and connect various devices, ensuring all equipment was operational. In addition, the team designed an aesthetically pleasing layout of decorations and systematically organized materials and supplies, organizing everything in its place.
On the grand opening day, the pair came to VSA center in the early morning and worked with the other volunteers to prepare ceremony setting. They served at the reception desk, guiding parents and students through the registration process, distributing informational materials and answering questions. With their contribution, VSA center successfully served about 80 guests, parents and students. Mr. Al Anthony, the mayor of the city of Livingston, NJ, attended the ceremony and cut the ribbon.
After the ceremony, the two AYLUS members helped clean up the center’s classrooms in the old location. Dr. Guo highly appreciated their dedication and commitment, mentored them to create educational materials for student use and write diagnostic tests for the developing mathematics curriculum. Based on the previously used curricula, they upgraded a pedagogy to emphasize the importance of critical thinking and deep understanding of mathematics.
Through the volunteering work, the Summit Branch has formed a win-win situation with VSA Learning Center. Dr. Guo would like to create more leadership practice opportunities for AYLUS members and offered the branch to use the classroom freely.
Working closely with Dr. Julia Guo, the two members learned the key spirit of an entrepreneur – the resilience. They observed how Dr. Guo skillfully navigated challenges, witnessed her courage in taking risks, and were inspired by her determined creativity. The volunteering experience transformed them, grounding them with a newfound sense of humility and purpose.
Two team members, Brooks Wang and Alan Chen, have earned forty-eight (48) volunteer hours each.
14 days x 3 hours/day (8/11-8/16, 8/20-8/23, 8/30-9/2)
8/18/2024: 6 hours
Reported by Brooks Wang