By George Wang
Receiving an award of any kind is an exhilarating experience, regardless of its size or significance. There’s a unique thrill that comes with being recognized for your efforts. For me, it brings an immense sense of pride and gratitude, both toward those who acknowledge my hard work and toward the organizations, like the Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) and So What Else, that provide opportunities for me to contribute. On January 26, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the award ceremony hosted by the CYOC. This event wasn’t just a celebration of CYOC members’ contributions, it was also a moment for me to reflect on my journey and be recognized for my own dedication to volunteering.
When I arrived at the venue, the setup was already in motion, with volunteers busily arranging the space. I immediately jumped in to help. The process was both exciting and challenging. One major task was arranging circular tables to accommodate about 110 guests while leaving enough room for people to move comfortably. It wasn’t easy—chairs kept protruding into the walkways, making it tricky to maintain clear aisles. Another challenge was hanging large lanterns as decorations. Their size made them difficult to position neatly, especially against the walls. After some trial and error, we decided to team up and bring a big ladder to secure the lanterns to the ceiling with tape. Although the tape wasn’t the sturdiest solution, the lightweight lanterns were safe, and we joked that if one fell, it would bring luck to whoever caught it.
After the setup was complete, my fellow volunteer Ruichen and I took on the task of explaining our poster to guests. One memorable moment was speaking with Montgomery County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles. Sharing our work and discussing how our efforts helped improve peoples lives was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Her interest and encouragement made the experience even more special.
As the event progressed, it was time for the award presentations. When my name was called, a wave of emotions swept over me. I felt immense joy and happiness as my hard work was acknowledged. At the same time, I was filled with pride in my achievements and gratitude for the support I had received from my family and my friends. Receiving the award also inspired me to continue striving for success and making a difference in my community.
This ceremony wasn’t just about recognition; it was a celebration of effort, perseverance, and the impact we can have when we come together to help others. Walking away with my award, I felt both motivated and humbled, knowing that this was only the beginning of my journey as a volunteer.
Website Editor: Sophia Wang
华府青年 CYOC 
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