It’s been a few months since I started volunteering with Project MotiVATe (Mentoring Vietnamese American Teens) and even now, I will never forget my first encounter with the mentoring program for Vietnamese teens.

I had always had a deep urge to do some volunteer work, but I didn’t know where to begin and what to expect. A friend of mine, Thiên Nguyễn, knew of Project MotiVATe through the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (OCAPICA), a community organization he volunteered with a while back. Thieân spoke so highly about Project MotiVATe; without ever having volunteered for them, that I was intrigued to find out what they were all about. Thiên wanted to spend some time with Project MotiVATe before he left the country to be a Buddhist monk in Thailand to find his real purpose in life. He said that in the silence, he would find all the answers. Thiên invited me, and I decided to go with him to Project MotiVATe.

It was a Wednesday when Thiên and I visited Project MotiVATe’s weekly study hall.We were joined by my good friend Đạt Lê, who also wanted to give back to the community and was curious about an opportunity to do so. When we arrived at OCAPICA, I felt nervous and excited at the same time. During our two-minute walk from the parking lot to the study hall room, my head raced with thoughts as I walked down the long hallway making my way toward a room on the left.

Will the students like me?

What will everyone think of me?

Will I like them?

Upon entering, I noticed students unpacking books out of their school bags and settling down to do homework. Thiên introduced Đạt and me to Scott Iseri, the organization’s internal program director, and Peter Thạch, mentorship coordinator. As we all made our way to a study room for some privacy, I couldn’t help but smell the aroma of bánh chiưng. Yum!

During our orientation, Scott and Peter mentioned that Project MotiVATe (formerly Camp for Youth) was created to help ''at-risk teens'' complete high school and pursue higher education through one-on-one mentoring and tutoring. All this is done through a focus on developing their social and cultural understanding and identity as well as recognizing the importance of the family relationship. One of the unique aspects of the program is the role of the mentor sand their efforts to bridge the communication between the parents and the teens. That particularly struck me because I can and still attest, even at the age of 25, that my communication with my parents is less than average. I wanted to share with the mentees that communication is an important key to any successful relationship, especially with our parents.

My parents live in Colorado, and they don’t even know how passionate I am in this line of work and I don’t feel comfortable enough to share with them; fearing that they might reject what I am studying and label it as unworthy. My two older sisters are the reason my parents even know what is going on in my life because they can communicate in Cantonese. My sisters told my parents what I plan to study and surprisingly, they accepted it and even offered to pay for my schooling. I was ecstatic at that moment, and I vowed that I would communicate with them of my future plans, goals and progress. I want to share with the teens that communicating with our parents is easier than we think, and it’s the least we can do for someone who sacrificed so much for us to live here in America. I know my parents want the best for me and I shouldn’t use my language barrier as an excuse to not tell them what is going on in my life; besides my father speaks great English.

After a thorough introduction by Scott and Peter, my eyes exuded excitement and I was completely eased into the idea of committing to volunteering. I felt inspired and knew I had something to offer to the youth of Project MotiVATe. As parents dropped off their teens, students trickled into the main study room, logged their names into the sign-in sheet, waved hello to their friends and grabbed some snacks. I smiled at everyone and looked around the room to greet new faces and exchange handshakes and names.

''Would anyone like to help Daniel with math?'' Peter asked.

Thiên’s lanky body darted toward me and he said with gleaming eyes, ''You should do it Jenny, you’ll be good at it.''

I whispered, ''I am not even good at math, you should do it.''

Thieân timidly decided to help Daniel with his math while I breathed a sigh of relief. It had been quite a while since I had touched a math book. It turned out that Daniel just needed some quizzing help on his math equations for a test he had the following day. Thiên came back to share that that Daniel needed to be quizzed one more time and this time, I happily volunteered to quiz him.

Mentally, as soon as I sat down with Daniel, I was brought back to my high school math class. I remember struggling with memorizing the equations, let alone finding a solution. Daniel, on the other hand, breezed through the equations and recited all of them to me. I was thoroughly impressed with his memory and assured him that he would do awesome on his math test.

Soon after, I was greeted by Julie Võ, external program director. She welcomed me with a warm smile and asked me to tell her a little bit about myself and what brought me to study hall that evening. I briefly share with her that I am Chinese American, newly graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in communications. I shared with Julie that I recently realized I had a passion for helping people, and I wanted to seize the opportunity to volunteer and to create a new career path for myself.

I discovered that my true passion is helping and educating people. My life is more meaningful when I am able to give back to the community. The students at Project MotiVATe are the reason why the organization even exists; they truly give meaning to our lives when they let us help them with academic and social needs. Some meaningful moments that I love are when the mentees ask me a question or invite me to share my thoughts about something. I also feel great when they tell me a little bit about their life and what they plan to pursue in the future. I feel that when they are able to open up, we have a greater chance of helping them grow into the person they want to become.

Another way to build friendships with the students is through Project MotiVATe’s monthly activities such as barbeques at the park or visits to the museum. On a recent Sunday, we all met directly in front of the bustling ABC. My nose puckered as the familiar smell of fish invaded my nose. Shoppers swarmed the plaza like bees on honey, going about their Sunday errands for groceries, getting their nails and hair done and even grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many Vietnamese restaurants.

We had met there to promote Project MotiVATe’s Benefit Gala. We spent the day posting flyers and brochures to promote the event. After the two-hour escapade, we gathered back at our original meeting spot. While waiting for the mentees’ parents to pick them up, I struck up a conversation with Troy, a high school junior. I asked him what he does on the weekend and what his interests are. He asked me, ''What were your goals coming out of school?''

''Well, I just graduated from college and I actually want to go back for more schooling, believe it or not,'' I answered. ''I never thought I would say that but there is so much more I want to learn about counseling and I plan to become a counselor and a teacher. I come and volunteer so I can get some hands on experience.''

A look of puzzlement washed over Troy’s face when I mentioned I wanted to go back for more schooling. As I elaborated he said, ''That’s cool.''

Troy shared his four goals after high school. He wants to find a summer job, preferably working with video games or animation. He would like to learn how to drive (so his summer job would have to be within walking distance). He also mentioned wanting to reconnect with old friends and visiting his old school.

Those are the moments I truly enjoy and find so rewarding when volunteering with Project MotiVATe. The students are all unique and filled with tremendous potential and my role as a volunteer is to empower them to become the best person they can be.

The truth is, although I initially thought I was there to help them, really I am the one reaping all the benefits. These students give me meaning to my life and a reason to come every Wednesday to volunteer. Their existence helps fulfill a passion within me and they give me the drive to continue this road.

Thiên plans to return to the states in November, and I have so many great things to share with him about Project MotiVATe. I will be sure to thank him again for introducing me to the world of volunteer work and for believing in my passion and pushing me to pursue my dreams and goals.

Project MotiVATe is now accepting applications for volunteers and mentors.

For more information, please contact:

projectmotivate@gmail.com

or visit:

www.projectmotivate.org.