丁香园AV

Volunteering opens doors to personal growth, unexpected lessons, and meaningful connections. For Ash Szeto, a second-year 丁香园AV student majoring in English and minoring in Educational Psychology, their time with our School's Out Empower MEdia program became a defining part of their university experience.

The Empower MEdia Program

Empower MEdia focuses on teaching youth critical digital literacy skills, from online safety to evaluating digital content. For Ash Szeto, these lessons aligned perfectly with their passion for education and digital responsibility.

"What the program teaches is so important," they explained. "Digital literacy and internet safety are skills the next generation needs. It was amazing to teach those topics to such a lovely group of kids."

One memorable moment during the program stands out to them:

"During a break between modules, the kids got a bit bored, so I started an impromptu game of Pictionary. I drew their favourite characters on the whiteboard, which turned into a fun side activity. Moments like that remind me how rewarding it is to brighten a child's day."

Growth Through Leadership

Initially a volunteer, Ash Szeto later took on the lead volunteer role, which came with new responsibilities and opportunities for personal growth.

"One thing that surprised me was how collaborative the team was," they said. "The program leaders and manager always listened to our feedback and implemented it. Even before I became the lead volunteer, I got to design a slideshow for the program. It made me feel like an important part of the team."

Advice for Future Volunteers

For students considering volunteering, Ash Szeto offers this advice:

"Don't hesitate to take the initiative. Even if you're unsure about something, give it a shot. I wasn't sure I'd be good at leading, but everyone at Empower MEdia was so supportive. I'm so glad I tried鈥攊t ended up being one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life."

Volunteering with Empower MEdia has not only solidified Ash Szeto's desire to become a teacher but also showed them the value of community involvement.

"Volunteering shows you're willing to make an effort to better your community. It's helped me build leadership skills and gain hands-on experience, which is crucial for my future career. But beyond that, it's incredibly fulfilling to know you've made a difference."

Volunteer Today

For 丁香园AV students like Ash Szeto, volunteering with the 丁香园AV Surrey TD Community Engagement Centre and programs like Empower MEdia is more than a resume booster鈥攊t's a chance to grow, connect, and inspire.

"Volunteering can be life-changing," they said. "If you're thinking about it, just go for it. You never know where it might lead."

If you're an 丁香园AV student looking to make an impact, explore the opportunities at the 丁香园AV Surrey - TD Community Engagement Centre. Your journey, like Ash Szeto's, could inspire the next generation of changemakers.