Senior Liz Charre holds back her tears and emotions while she smiles at a young autistic boy struggling to grasp a concept as she reassures him with soothing language and a calm appearance.
Charre is dedicated to her community and takes a special interest in helping children, with her committed volunteering at Valencia Elementary School. She assists teachers with kindergarteners as well as special education students at the school.
“I usually volunteer in Pico Rivera on my days off from school,” Charre said. “I work mainly with the kindergarteners but I also work with the RSP students, or special needs students.”
Charre’s love for community service has motivated her to take part in hands-on experiences with the teachers at the schools, which is exactly the sort of opportunity she needs to pursue her desired careers.
“At the beginning of our term, we went to the San Gabriel Library,” Charre said. “I really liked reading books to the children and doing arts and crafts with them.”
Charre mainly works as a teacher’s aide, and she helps students read and spell, or simply mingles and interacts with the kids on the playground.
“Working and connecting with the lives of the kids I work with is my favorite part of this whole experience,” Charre said. “Each kid has a different background and story and getting to know someone new and different is amazing.”
Although her volunteer experience is rewarding, Charre experienced several obstacles along the way. She struggles emotionally with certain students, but she finds that it is a chance for her to learn about this real-world occupation.
“Losing my patience when working with autistic kids is easy to do because they are extremely active and it is hard for them to focus,” Charre said. “However, I try my best to be as patient as I can with them because I have to be sensitive to their feelings.”
Charre also volunteers regularly at her church, by serving at the altar or helping out with the entire church community. Charre’s church, the San Gabriel Mission, is one of the largest churches in California, and recently, she also had the opportunity to become a princess in the church’s annual San Gabriel Mission Court pageant.
Participants are aged 16 to 19 and are judged by their community service, their involvement in the church and an interview process. Five girls were selected this year, and Charre was crowned first princess of the competition.
“I felt honored because I never thought I could live this great experience,” Charre said. “It was unforgettable and even more fulfilling than I expected.”
Charre participates in several activities in and out of school including tennis, softball and the Peer Listeners Program. She hopes that her achievements in the community and her church will continue to impact her throughout her life.
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