From AGSS Participant to Volunteer

Serena Zhang

​My first experience at AGSS was when I was in fifth grade, attending the Geometry Workshop. I was a bit intimidated at first, but mostly curious about what was in store. When I stepped foot into the library’s multipurpose room, the bright tablecloths and welcoming smiles immediately brought joy to me face. I felt like I belonged. We spent the workshop learning about shapes - not just the ones I saw in my school textbook, but ones that went beyond the classroom basics. An origami-lover at heart, I was excited to learn that our activities involved folding intricate, 3D origami shapes.

Now, 7 years later as a high school senior, I’ve had time to reflect on what it was that made me want to volunteer. Part of it was the challenging and intriguing nature of the workshops. They’re not necessarily topics that you will see in any classroom or syllabus. These are often unique and interesting subjects that are explored on a deeper level than students in elementary and middle schools will have experience with. That’s what made my experiences as a participant so fun, and it’s what I strive for as a volunteer and member of the leadership team.

AGSS is where I discovered the fun in learning. I wasn’t being forced to attend; I was able to choose what workshops sounded interesting and become self-motivated to learn and experiment. The beauty of it all is that I’m able to give back to the organization that sparked my love for STEM — whether it was that first Geometry Workshop I attended, the Python Workshop that introduced me to computer science, or the Physics Workshop that I taught with my friend Sophia two years ago. At every workshop, I learn just as much from the students who attend as they do from the workshop’s contents. Their eagerness to learn and ask questions inspire me everyday to do the same — think boldly and pursue curiosity.
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As a volunteer, I aspire to instill that enthusiasm and sense of belonging that I first felt as a participant. There aren’t many spaces where I can be surrounded by an inclusive and safe environment. Back then, I didn’t understand just how valuable it was to be surrounded by older role models who looked like me and peers who were like myself. I’ve worked in labs and been in classrooms where most people there are not female. I’m grateful to always be able to return to AGSS and call it my home. It’s truly shaped my passion for collaboration and developed my love of learning.

I encourage you to cherish the times and memories you make at AGSS -- and who knows? You, too, may return as a volunteer one day!