"It is not only what you achieved but also the experiences you gained and the lessons you learned. You definitely enjoyed teaching kids at Summer Beyond. You were so happy when seeing little kids be joyful about what their little hands have created from just paper. It was definitely a special experience to have. Not only did you teach little kids but also their parents."

"This immigrant student [in our after-school tutoring program] was still very new to the United States and was having great difficulty learning English, so every class was particularly hard for her. In one of our sessions of tutoring, we were working on a very basic reading exercise. In time, she gained much confidence, and by the end of the session, she was able to read a short story herself. The look of pride on her face made me realize the impact I had on her."

"I could see direct impacts on people's faces and I feel like that's the whole point of PCR, which is to bring happiness to the community. I saw it physically on people. I guess I was seeing happiness in motion and I was able to contribute to this happiness, [and] I used my own power to put a smile on another's face."

"In the end, [volunteering] inspired me to continue working towards the betterment of others and contribute anything I can in any way. Knowing my small actions contributed to improving the lives of other[s] had made me feel fulfilled and had showed how interconnected my life was with others, even allowing me to realize that everyone has something to offer, even when faced with their own challenges."

"It was in the midst of a food distribution session on a Sunday outside the PCR office. Being aware that a large majority of [the clients] are retired/not working anymore play[ing] a part in relieving some of the financial burden they may hold, [I got] a rewarding feeling of happiness and fulfillment. Volunteering has boosted my own emotional well-being as well by reducing my feelings of loneliness and [has] given me a sense of belonging and purpose in the community I was raised in."

"[I was] helping out with organizing the donated clothes, [and] one lady slowly and quietly came up behind me. She reached out to one of the nearby jackets. When I passed her the nice and barely worn jacket, her face stared straight at the jacket. She raised it up with two hands and smiled.The woman’s smile told me "Thank you very much," making me feel like there is another reason for me to continue doing what I’m doing... I learned that everything I do doesn’t always have to be for me, but it could also change the lives of others."

"Over time, as you continue to show up to these volunteer events, people will start to recognize you. They will know your name and you will know theirs. Those little gestures, like a little wave or simple “Hi” will slowly build into inseparable friendships that you still cherish to this day."

"I feel that volunteering isn’t about completing tasks but giving a place where people and families can spend time together without worrying about trash in their parks. I learned that no matter how small your actions are, they will always make an impact on someone, as it is for the good."

"Eventually, you will find yourself becoming someone who leads the very events you once attended... On that day, you will feel immense happiness and pride because you’ll have the opportunity to give back what PCR has given to you—a sense of community, personal growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on others... You’ll learn how to remain calm under pressure, even in extreme situations where it feels like everything is falling apart."