Motivation At The Valley Children's Museum (VCM)

My first desire to contribute started in fourth grade. I helped beautify an Oakland neighborhood park, so underserved children could have a nice place to play. Since then, I have continued to participate in various park cleanups in order to create a better environment for children.

Three years ago, I decided to help out at the Valley Children’s Museum (VCM), a non-profit organization which brings play-based creative learning to younger children. What started out as a weekend project, helping the staff organize activities for 2-10 year olds, became a passion to help children. I was inspired by the laughs and the excitement in the eyes of these children who otherwise had limited opportunities to experience the recreational activities that we take for granted. Through these interactions, I learned that compassion, encouragement, and patience are the most important traits needed to gain their trust. I realize that children are impressionable at this age, and I feel it is important to guide them in the direction of wanting to learn and discover things that would lead to a more productive and meaningful
In March, I was honored to have been elected the first President of the TLC, which has tripled in membership. Thus far, I have been helping the Board of Directors with the expansion of the museum to a bigger building, which will accommodate more children and exhibits. This process has helped me grow and has strengthened my confidence and leadership skills from engaging with community leaders and business owners.

Although I will never be able to resolve underprivileged children’s circumstances, I hope that the time I have spent with them has provided some happiness and fun-filled learning experiences, and most of all, inspire them to continue this practice when they are