Linda Vista Village Neighbors

Teen Volunteer Wins Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award

Feb 06, 2007

Sixteen-year-old Linda La of Kearny High School SIB, volunteered at Bayside Community Center for two years. She helped tutor neighboring children along with many other volunteers at the center. With all her effort in helping the community and the children, she won an award for her devotion in giving to the community.

My name is Linda La and I just turned Sixteen years old. My parents are from Vietnam, while my siblings and I were born here in San Diego. I am half-Vietnamese and Chinese. I am currently a sophomore at Kearny High School SIB and will graduate in the year 2009. I am the oldest daughter and also the middle child. My goal is to graduate from high school and attend college at the University of San Diego California (UCSD) and major in pharmacy.

I started volunteering at Bayside Community Center in the fall of 2005 because I wanted to help out my community. I was also influenced by the tutors that helped me as a child because I was once a Bayside Kid in the After-School Program provided by the center. I heard about the Soroptimist International Violet Richardson Award from my Avid teacher, Mrs. Erica Heinzman, who had asked me and my female classmates to apply. The Violet Richardson Award is given to young women between the ages of 14 to 17 who are honored for volunteering in their community. When I applied for the award I did not think that I would win, however my doubts turned into a surprise.

On January 4, 2007, I received a call from Donise Howe of Soroptimist International Mission Bay, who told me that my essay about my volunteering at Bayside Community Center had won. I was shocked and happy at the same time, wondering whether what I was hearing was a dream. I had won the Violet Richardson Award which was given annually. I received a $500 award, $250 which was mine and the other $250 given to Bayside Community Center. It is very exciting and touching that my volunteering at Bayside Community Center was rewarded. It truly means that when you give to the community, it comes right back to you. I really encourage all of the teens out there to get up and help serve or get involved with your neighborhood or community from the heart. It is a blessing to make a difference in many people?’s lives. Not only are you contributing to the community, but it also shows how devoted and motivated you are to make change and create a better world for all. You will definitely learn more about yourself and meet new people, just like I did. By taking part in your community, it will change the way you view the world. There are plenty of chances to volunteer and I suggest you cherish the opportunity.

Right now, I spend my free time after-school volunteering at Bayside Community Center, my Thursdays at Montgomery Middle School EarthSavers and Ecology Club, and my Saturdays at the Minyamane ESL Study Group at the Linda Vista Branch Library. I plan to continue my volunteering work.