Lifeguard
A three year member of the swim team, Junior Veronica Cheng decided to take her love for water to the next level by registering for the lifeguard ROP class at the high school. She began the course in February and plans to complete it at the end of May or early June.
“It makes me feel like I’m useful because I can actually be certified to help,” Cheng said. “I can also get a summer job at the Rosemead pool or other nearby pools.”
Cheng trains at the high school pool once a week for five hours, where she learns to do CPR and AED, Automated External Defibrillator. She also does endurance swimming and eventually will learn to retrieve things from the bottom of the pool.
Being a lifeguard is a very big responsibility and if you think you are up to the job, sign up for the lifeguard ROP class next school year, where you can learn to become a lifesaver like Cheng.
Animal Rescuer
For four hours every week, Junior Kristine Pham volunteers at the Pasadena Humane Society. She assists veterinarians preparing for surgery, helps animals recover after their surgeries and walks the shelter dogs around the local park.
“I chose to volunteer here because I want to become a veterinarian,” Pham said. “It’s a good way for me to get hands-on experience to see if I like the work.”
Pham, an avid animal lover, began volunteering last October and has enjoyed her experience working with the animals, especially the dogs.
If you love animals and need to complete your community service hours, the Pasadena Humane Society is always looking for new, animal loving volunteers. Possible volunteers may have to do further training, be interviewed, or take a test. Visit their website to find out more about the application process and informational meetings.
Blood Donor
Last November, Senior Eddie Wang took part in the American Red Cross blood drive. After his friend persuaded him, Wang decided to donate blood for the first time because he wanted help those who needed it.
Wang felt very at ease donating because of the comfortable environment and caring workers. After donating a pint, Wang helped himself to a wide selection of snacks to help him replenish his strength.
“Donating blood made me feel good because I was able to help someone who needed it more than me,” Wang said. “It didn’t hurt as much as I expected, so I would do it again.”
If needles and blood don’t scare you, giving blood helps many sick people, and if you are over 18 you can do it without parent permission at the local blood donation center at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, Altadena or in Pasadena.