By: Camille Hu
Diversity and cultural exchange are one of the most important parts of a country, a society, a community. At the annual Chinese Cultural Festival at D.C., different people from different background, culture, area, came together, shared their culture and embraced other’s culture. Volunteering at the Chinese Cultural Festival in Washington, DC was more than simply lending a hand; it was an opportunity to step into a living expression of culture, community, and connection.
From the moment I arrived, people were working hard to make their ideal stall perfect, from carrying materials from trucks, mini vans, and cars, to setting up their stalls, venders worked hard to make people enjoy the festival. One of the most meaningful aspects of volunteering was witnessing the joy of cultural exchange. Many visitors were encountering Chinese traditions for the first time, and I found myself explaining how agarwood is made and where it came from. We also did face painting and temporary tattoos for visitors of all ages.
Looking back, volunteering at the Chinese Cultural Festival gave me more than just SSL hours, it gave me a chance to reflect on the importance of cultural understanding in a diverse city like Washington, DC. Festivals such as this one remind us that culture is not static, it is lived, shared, and celebrated when people come together. My role may have been small, but it contributed to something much larger: creating a space where cultures could meet and enrich one another.
In conclusion, my volunteering experience at the Chinese Cultural Festival was both service and self-discovery. I learned that volunteering is not just about offering time, but about offering openness, energy, and respect. By helping others experience Chinese culture, I deepened my own connection to it and strengthened my belief in the importance of cultural exchange. This experience will stay with me as a reminder that when we serve, we not only support others but also expand our own horizons.
Website Editor: Grace Yan
华府青年 CYOC 