By: Vivian Le
I was truly honored to serve as a youth volunteer at the 23rd Chinese Culture Festival, held on August 30, 2025, at 300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, right next to the historic Capitol Hill. Surrounded by the festive atmosphere and the grandeur of the Capitol, this experience became especially memorable. I joined CYOC (Chinese Youth Outreach Center), an organization dedicated to volunteer service and community engagement. Through this event, I not only contributed to the community but also gained a deeper appreciation for the value of cultural exchange.
During the festival, I participated in several CYOC activities, including interacting with visitors, handing out stickers and bookmarks, introducing aspects of Chinese food culture, and supporting the food booth operations. These tasks allowed me to strengthen my communication skills and realize that even a simple smile or a short explanation could make visitors feel welcome and appreciated. Standing so close to Capitol Hill, I felt as though our efforts were part of something greater—presenting Chinese culture on an important stage in the heart of the United States.
My primary responsibility, however, was selling mooncakes with my friend, and together we generated about $300 in sales. Although many visitors were unfamiliar with mooncakes, they approached our booth with curiosity. We offered small samples, and after tasting them, many people expressed delight and purchased some to take home. Through this process, I realized that promoting culture is not just about selling a product; it is about sharing stories, building connections, and sparking interest in traditions that may be new to others.
Looking back, this volunteer experience gave me far more than service hours. It helped me grow in teamwork, adapt to a multicultural environment, and develop a deeper understanding of cultural exchange. Most importantly, I felt a strong sense of pride—seeing visitors smile while enjoying mooncakes or listening to cultural stories reminded me that even small contributions can have a positive impact. In the future, if I have another opportunity, I would gladly participate again, because volunteering is not only about giving, but also about learning, growing, and connecting.
Website Editor: Sophia Wang
华府青年 CYOC 
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