Huaxia Volunteering
I remember when I first arrived at Huaxia as a nervous first grader. Back then, I received help from numerous older volunteers who appeared to be high school students. I still vividly recall their willingness to patiently guide us through any challenges we encountered in our activities. Now, having the opportunity to serve in that same role, I feel deeply proud to give back to the organization that once nurtured me.
I finally understand what motivated those older students to volunteer their time. The experience of having so many children look up to me and seek my guidance makes me feel genuinely accomplished and valued. This work extends far beyond solving puzzles or playing games—it's about becoming someone these kids can depend on, just as I once depended on others. This sense of connection and responsibility has revealed to me how profoundly meaningful community service can be, and how even seemingly small acts of mentorship can create lasting impact on young lives.
My favorite thing I did while volunteering at Huaxia
During my few weeks of volunteering, I helped teach kids how to play chess, played with them when they felt lonely, and assisted staff in preparing meals and snacks. But the thing I loved doing most was teaching kids how to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
I first learned to solve a Rubik's Cube when I was around eight years old and remained fascinated by it for several years. While volunteering at Huaxia, I had the opportunity to share this skill with the kids, most of whom showed genuine interest. Teaching proved challenging, however. The youngest ones would simply grab a cube, twist it randomly, and then ask me to solve it for them. But those who truly wanted to learn were focused and eager to understand each step.
Each day brought more progress than the last. The kids gradually mastered simple algorithms to solve the first layer of the cube. When one of them successfully completed even just that single layer, the joy on their face brought back memories of my own excitement when I first solved a Rubik's Cube. Witnessing that breakthrough inspired the others—they realized they could succeed too and listened with even greater attention as I patiently repeated the steps.
By the time my volunteer period ended, I had helped three or four children solve the first layer completely, and one remarkable student managed to solve the entire cube. Teaching them this skill gave me profound insight into the value of community engagement and nurturing children's natural curiosity. The experience left me with a genuine sense of pride and fulfillment that continues to motivate me today.
