Volunteering
City of Berkeley Animal Shelter
Since the 7th grade, I've been volunteering weekly at Berkeley's animal shelter. I primarily walk dogs and make sure they get adequate fresh air and exercise, but I also play with the cats and rabbits. This activity gives me immense satisfaction because I know I can truly brighten an animal's day. In November 2024, I became a shelter "ambassador" and now help direct and answer questions from visitors.
Prisoners Literature Project
In May 2025, I started volunteering with the Prisoners Literature Project, a Berkeley, California nonprofit dedicated to promoting reading among incarcerated individuals. Each month, the organization fields hundreds of book requests from prisoners nationwide. Volunteers search for the requested titles—or something similar—and include a personal, handwritten note with each shipment.