On October 26, 2025, volunteers from the AYLUS Roslyn branch worked as TAs at the Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Throughout the event, they assisted teachers, students, and parents with a variety of school activities and responsibilities, thereby making a meaningful impact on the community.
As TAs, our primary role was to support the teachers and create an enjoyable, stimulating environment for the students. We began each afternoon by greeting the students and helping them settle in for class. Throughout the day, we assisted with tasks such as distributing papers and homework, supporting students during classroom activities, helping those who were struggling, answering questions, and ensuring students’ needs were met, whether by accompanying them to the restroom or getting water. By managing these responsibilities, we enabled teachers to concentrate on their lessons and maintain a smooth, productive classroom atmosphere.
The students at CCALI attended their usual cultural classes that afternoon, but because it was nearing Halloween, many children arrived in festive costumes—from princesses and movie characters to ghosts and animals—making the classrooms lively and imaginative. TAs helped students stay focused during lessons and directed them to their assigned classes. Every student enthusiastically displayed their costumes as they lined up for pictures to document the special occasion. Finally, by helping students pack their belongings and ensuring they were delivered to the appropriate parent or guardian, TAs made the pick-up process significantly faster and easier.
All things considered, working as TAs gave us valuable insight into the duties and challenges that teachers face daily. Although the tasks we were assigned were straightforward, they helped create a more engaging learning environment for the students and reduced the burden on the teachers. Volunteering at the school taught us patience, empathy, and the importance of not taking setbacks personally, particularly when working with young children. Being a TA encouraged us to be responsible, collaborate with others, and foster a warm, inviting, and positive atmosphere that students enjoyed, all while supporting their development and education.
Members who volunteered: Sofia Chen (3.5 hours), Joy Zou (3.5 hours), Joanna Huang (3.5 hours), Ethan Liu (3.5 hours), Shinree Zhang (3.5 hours), Ryan Lin (3.5 hours), Abigail Zhao (3.5 hours), Jaimie Zhao (3.5 hours), Chloe Liu (3.5 hours), Henry Li (3 hours)
Reporter: Abigail Zhao
