By: Camille Hu
Graduation, a leap from school to society. Watching everyone celebrate that huge step made me realize how big these moments really are, even for the people working behind the scenes like me. I wasn’t the one graduating, but being a part of this celebration made me connect to something special.
On May 17, 2026, the Graduation Celebration hosted by CYOC took place in Cabin John Regional Park. The delicious smell of food and people chattering quickly filled the air as I got there. Many people were there to celebrate, to volunteer, to be a part of this meaningful celebration. Many people were there to celebrate, to volunteer, to be a part of this meaningful celebration. I was there to help out in any way I could, but I ended up being promoted to board member, which I never expected.
That moment honestly caught me off guard. One second, I was just doing my usual volunteer tasks, and the next, I was being told I was a board member. It didn’t feel real at first, but the more I thought about it, the more realistic it got. It made me realize that people were actually noticing the effort I was putting in, even when I wasn’t thinking much about it myself. During the celebration, I wasn’t focused on just one thing; I was kind of everywhere at once. I helped sell merchandises, answered questions, and jumped in whenever something needed to be done. It was a little chaotic, but in a good way. Instead of just watching everything happen, I felt like I was actually part of making it happen, which made the experience way more meaningful.
One of the things I noticed most during the celebration was how much teamwork actually mattered. Nothing was really done by one person alone, everyone was constantly helping each other, even in small ways. If someone looked confused, another person would step in. If something needed to be fixed quickly, people just worked together without overthinking it. Being surrounded by that kind of energy made me realize how important it is to stay aware of what’s happening around you and be willing to help without being asked. Additionally, in many speeches spoke by presidents, vice presidents, and board members, they mentioned about teamwork, showing how important that is.
Looking back, the whole day wasn’t just about graduation or even volunteering. It was about being part of something bigger and realizing I can take on more responsibility than I thought. Getting promoted to board member just made that feeling stronger. The experience left me with a stronger sense of growth and a better understanding of what I’m capable of.
Website Editor: Grace Yan
华府青年 CYOC 
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