A deep breath was exhaled from my mouth, and my clammy hands hit unmute. “H-h-h-hello! Welcome to Prisit’s f-f-first-” A rush of messages flooded the Zoom call. My face flushed, embarrassed by the fact that my first design workshop as a Graphic Designer in the Social Media and Operations or Client teams for Prisit, a student-led organization that provides free marketing and design services, started on a glitchy note. As the embarrassment slowly drifted away, I quickly became comfortable teaching my audience of 300, comprising my co-staff and Prisit’s online viewers. Prior to this, I took it upon myself to design a workshop to improve my teams’ design quality after noticing that my co-designers struggled with essential skills and receiving permission from Prisit’s founders. Eventually, my idea spread to include assisting others who may not have had the luxury of knowing how to design or purchasing expensive graphic design applications with the help of social media marketing. During this workshop, I taught multiple design principles, the thought process behind graphic design, and tips on Canva, a free design application, through presentations and demonstrations. To ensure that those who couldn’t attend the Zoom call still have access to important resources, I established a Google Classroom for communication and linked items. In Prisit’s Google Classroom, I assessed those willing to design and work with a randomized design prompt to receive constructive criticism. It was when I suddenly got multiple messages with positive feedback that I knew that I could create an impact, even in small roles. I was glad that my initiative led to major improvements in my teams’ skills and a free means to high-quality for lower-income or seeking attendees globally. Over time, with my strong work ethic, I received a culmination of promotions and became President. Today, we continue to serve an online community. To provide various opportunities for adolescents as young as high school freshmen to be involved outside of school, gain a work-like experience, or simply need assistance with their passion projects, we host design competitions, team applications, interactive and informative collaborations with other student-led organizations, and give out free templates, designs, and marketing services. Thanks to Prisit for developing my leadership and communication skills since the 10th grade. I’ve also been able to promote engaging and inclusive communities through recent roles as the Advancement Via Individual Determination Club Secretary, Asian Culture Club Treasurer, and other volunteer roles to give back. However, by studying architectural or civil engineering in the near future, I know I’ll be shaping people’s daily lives, especially with the help of the skills I’ve learned from giving back to multiple communities. I desire to create a safe and accessible environment with thoughtful designs, so people can thrive in society comfortably.

My body ached after hours of heavy lifting as I entered an office with my peers. I slipped onto the floor to rest, only to be greeted with something wrapped in foil. A savory aroma drifted towards me. “Here, baby. Take some leftovers. Thank you for helping us out. We really appreciate all of ya’ll for coming out!” My heart warmed, and I remembered some of my other interactions throughout the day. It was as if my body forgot what it was originally complaining about. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, I volunteered at ComptonFest, a festival celebrating city culture through performances, interactive events, speeches, public resources, and Black-owned businesses. I was motivated to complete my required community service hours for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college preparatory program, but I realized that the experience was about more than a grade. I began the day with 25 other AVID volunteers, lifting and arranging heavy equipment to set up ComptonFest’s venue and stage. The assigned work was physically exhausting, especially with the daunting heat, but teamwork pushed me through. Another challenge soon arose when vendors arrived confused and misinformed about their setup locations. With no available staff around, I stepped in to ease their frustrations, empathizing with their situation, and running to find staff to resolve the issue. Since the search had us wait a while, I talked to the venords. One lady from Georgia shared her discomfort about the hot rain, which I related to when I visited Vietnam. Another couple, who sell art pieces inspired by Marvel, talk to me about their business. I could tell that their moods already improved, and little did they know, they also lifted mine. After the issue was addressed and vendors’ tables and tents were set up by us, the festival began. Crowds of people flooded into the venue, chanting with excitement. I shook my head into focus and ran towards my group. Soon, I was handing out backpacks filled with supplies, greeting families with smiles. Seeing the joy in the children’s and parents’ faces, knowing that even a small part of their financial burden would be relieved, was very fulfilling. Later, my group paused to get protection from the sun, stopping at a healthcare booth with individuals laughing at our plans to win small bottles of sunscreen at their prize wheel. They generously gave us free prizes after noticing how we’d been running back and forth during the setup process. After applying the sunscreen as we chatted with the artistic couple from earlier, we collected water cases to hand out. As the festival continued and wetook a break, I saw our work come into fruition. Children danced, local music artists performed, and families surrounded booths with activities. Despite the unruly heat and exhaustion, I found myself genuinely enjoying the experience. I understood that service and positivity, valued and embodied by Jorge Campos, have the power to connect people and bring light to a community often stigmatized by racial stereotypes and gang violence. Through this experience, I strengthened my empathy, perseverance, and teamwork, and I was inspired to continue serving my community to uplift others and challenge negative stereotypes. In the future, I hope to continue demonstrating these exact values by challenging views on Hostile Architecture, known as anti-homeless architecture, as it affects the elderly, disabled, and children as well. I aspire to advocate for inclusive public designs while also supporting other initiatives that make communities feel more understood and welcoming.