By: Diana H. Zhao
This year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Chinese Culture Festival in Washington, DC. It was an unforgettable experience that not only helped me learn more about my culture and tradition, but it also helped me connect with other people.
When I arrived at the festival, it was early in the morning. Not many people were there, and the vendors were just setting up the items they would be selling for the festival. I was with the organization CYOC (Capital Youth Outreach Club), their booth had mooncakes, tea, face painting, temporary tattoos, and fragrances from natural resources. My job as a volunteer was the face painting and temporary tattoos area, along with the fragrances area. After a while, more and more people started coming to the festival, and I could now feel the liveness in the air now. Music filled the air, and the smell of traditional food like dumplings and noodles made the whole place feel festive. Even though the work was simple, it made me feel proud to contribute to the event.
The festival also included performances such as lion dancing, martial arts, and traditional music. Even though I was busy helping, I could still watch parts of these shows. I realized that culture is not only about history—it is also about joy, energy, and sharing. By volunteering, I felt like I was part of passing on these traditions to others in the community.
Overall, volunteering at the Chinese culture festival was a meaningful experience. I learned how important it is to preserve cultural traditions and share them with others. I also gained new skills in teamwork, communication, and patience while helping visitors. Most importantly, I felt proud to give back to my community and to be part of celebrating Chinese culture. It reminded me that volunteering is not just about helping—it is about learning, connecting, and making memories together.
Website Editor: Grace Yan
华府青年 CYOC 
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