On Wednesday, May 17, United Way for Greater Austin celebrated the contributions of students in UWATX’s Youth Engaged in Service (YES!) program at Webb Early College Prep Academy. The YES! program has been an opportunity for students to learn about philanthropy and volunteerism while exploring careers throughout the Austin community. Students have gone on field trips to local companies and non-profits and have completed tons of volunteer hours on projects after school.
Our staff sat down with a few phenomenal Middle School volunteers to learn more about what volunteerism means to them. Jenny Dominguez (J-Dog), Jimmy Aguirre (Bigfoot) and Cristian Dominguez (C-Money) are Webb students who participated in the YES! program and were are excited to share their thoughts with you.
What was the most fun volunteer experience so far for you?
Jimmy | I liked last week when we planted plants and helped the environment.
Cristian | Painting a giant Jenga set at the MLK Day of Service in 2015.
Jenny | Visiting the Austin Humane Society to donate toys and play with a puppy.
What is an issue that is important to you?
Jimmy | World hunger, because if we go hungry, we won’t survive!
Jenny | Getting a new phone, it freezes a lot and it’s slow.
Cristian | So many issues! I want to government to not use bombs or start wars.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Jenny | A basketball player for the Austin Spurs.
Cristian | the President of the United States.
Jimmy | A lawyer, because I could help people, and we should all help each other.
Why do you think it is important for people to give back to their community?
Jenny | so the community can be healthy.
Cristian | I believe that what you put into things is what you get out of them.
Jimmy | as people help out, it helps make the world better, little by little.
What is your favorite Bruno Mars song?
Cristian | “That’s What I Like”
Jimmy | “When I Was Your Man” – so great to sing along to!
Jenny | “24K Magic” – it’s got a good beat you can dance to.
Do you have a secret talent?
Cristian | I sold $20 of candy today to raise money for a field trip.
Jenny | I can double cross dribble a basketball between my legs.
Jimmy | Baseball!! First base is my favorite position, but I want to try pitching soon.
To close out a successful school year with the YES! students, our staff took them to Austin’s Park and Pizza. They had a great time riding go-carts and squirting everyone from the bumper boats. We are excited to have been a part of Cristian, Jimmy and Jenny’s school year, and hope that these future leaders in our community have a great summer!
Thank you YES! students!