The SF Aloha Run for Peace 5k

One of my main goals as a runner was to start running longer distances, and participate in a half-marathon or 5k.

The Aloha Run is a program that aims to unite communities against hate, war, and violence. Peace is a great goal of the Aloha Run, and the September 15, 2024 run’s funds were all donated to programs against youth violence, programs that aided in trauma recovery, and programs that help low-income students gain scholarships.

After the run, I was able to place 24/248 in all women, and 2/9 in aged 13-18 girls.

You Gotta Believe Fundraising Denim Themed Walk

After doing research into potential charity runs, I came across the You Gotta Believe Denim Themed Walk, which was fundraising towards the You Gotta Believe organization, based in New York.

You Gotta Believe was for the youth that struggled to find a home, the youth that were getting older and soon had to be independent; those who needed guidance. You Gotta Believe helped those youth have people they could depend on and get led by—helping them survive out in the world.

On July 27, 2024, over 30 people gathered in a group, all wearing denim, to help support the cause. Even some dogs came along, dressed in blue denim bandanas and collars! On that cold, foggy day, all of us walked together for three hours and amassed $25,251 USD in donations.

Park Volunteer Cleaning

Throughout June and July of 2024, I participated in two park cleanups with the Adopt-a-Park organization based in San Jose City. These were both either 2 or 2.5 hours each, and consisted of activities such as weeding, raking, re-painting, and sanitizing.

Running is a true passion for me, and I couldn’t feel anything but gratitude towards the parks that had always been available and cleaned for me to be able to run and exercise comfortably. Maintaining this is difficult, and assisting people in doing so makes the process easier and increases the respect I have towards these parks!

San Jose Library - Event Assistance and Book Review

When I was younger, I remember how big of an influence my local library was to me. As a child in an immigrant household, we barely had any books in English, and even fewer that I hadn’t read before. These libraries had helped me develop and fall in love with reading, and I wanted to help other children have that, too.

And so, at my local library, I was interested and was inspired to write Teen Reviews of books at the library, hoping to provide some insight to readers who might be interested in reading them. I wrote these reviews to potentially help these young readers access and leverage off of their reading, and gain a positive impact from the books. Additionally, I had started to volunteer through TeensReach, doing projects such as making kits and cleaning the library.

Link: My Book Review List

Peninsula Skating Club Junior Board (2024 - current)

Upon my interest in skating, I wanted to contribute more to the community of skaters, and wanted to help out with events and activities. So, after joining the Peninsula Skating Club, I joined the Junior Board as well. In the club, we are required to complete volunteer hours and projects, as well.

Some of these projects include assisting at competitions, blood drives, and designing. When doing this volunteering, I met new people and was able to do something positive for the sport I enjoyed.

Contributed 17+ hours of volunteer services during the 2024-2025 season.