Published in the December 7 – 20, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Ali Daneshvar

Ali Daneshvar

Ali Daneshvar

I have always loved to help others. My parents have stressed since I was little that I always need to think about others before I think about myself. That is why I feel like helping others is very important for everyone to do.

I volunteer in the Youth Action Council, also known as YAC, which is a community service group that is composed of about 25 hard-working teens. YAC participates in many volunteer events. Children and adults love when we show up at events to make balloon animals, paint faces and other activities. We participate in roughly nine events a year, and although we don’t get paid, we are always willing to help out. We go to help serve the children and adults of Morgan Hill and help them feel like a valued part of the community.

In YAC, I am asked to go to events to help set up, clean up, make balloons, watch kids and many other things. There are some events such as the Senior Citizens Ball where I need to set up for the event, clean up after the event, and do many things during the event, such as serve the attendees food and drinks and clear their tables. It is a lot of hard work, but after, I realize what I am doing is really good, and I know that it was worth it. My service to others not only makes others feel good, but it makes me feel good too, like I am doing the right thing.

Being active in my community and in YAC has helped me make connections in the city. I have met the mayor and city council members. I have also met with many business owners and founders of organizations that have helped influence my future. Making these connections will be very beneficial in the future, for example, if I wanted to get a job. Knowing people of high authority will build my credibility and give me a great advantage and make it easier for me to get a job.

Helping others out is a beneficial thing for everyone. You’re helping others become better and at the same time it gives you the feeling that you’re doing the right thing. Also, helping out in your community helps you make connections with people that may have a lot of other connections in the city, and that will help you out a lot in the future. Serving your community doesn’t have to be boring either. Bring your friends with you and make it an activity. You’ll be doing good and you’ll have a blast doing it.

YAC member Ali Daneshvar, 15, is a junior at Ann Sobrato High School. He likes to hang out with friends and play soccer.