We are pleased to share that our 2020 LHTP Scholarship recipient is high school graduate Sally Voong. Sally’s been with our YUCA program since her freshman year in high school and graduated as YUCA President Co-Chair. From here, she’ll be attending UC Davis to study business. We expect great things from Sally and know she will make us proud. We asked Sally to share a few words about her time with YUCA and LHTP, here’s what she had to say:
“Like many, I initially joined YUCA in my freshmen year with the goal of earning enough service hours to satisfy my high school requirements. Little did I know, it would make a big impact on my life and shape me into the person I am today.
Soon after attending a few service events, I really fell in love with the idea of helping my community and serving the people. I built strong friendships with a lot of people who were from different backgrounds and schools I would’ve never imagined to become friends with, if not for YUCA.
Throughout the years, I was inspired by watching leaders of YUCA that came before me, and gained confidence to become a similar figure for others. I was super excited to have been a part of the committee team in “Increase the Peace” in junior year. It was a stepping stone because it introduced and molded my beginner leadership skills. In my senior year, to my surprise, I ran for President Co-Chair in “YUCA Cabinet.” At first, I was really hesitant to run for President Co-Chair, never in a million years would I have thought I would be brave enough to take on such a position. But I am so thankful for Dennis & Trinh who encouraged and supported me to take on this role. I grew to be more confident in my decision making and found my passion for working with other people. This played a big part when it came to deciding my major of choice, business.
Looking back on the past 4 years, I have met and worked with such amazing people, and I can confidently say that there was never a bad moment with YUCA since the day I stepped into my first meeting. I was exposed to environments forcing myself out of my comfort zone, and the opportunities I grasped allowed for me to gain and strengthen skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, listening, resolving conflict, etc. I had not realized this until my senior year, but YUCA has always been a stable support system through my high school career. It was a place where I felt comfortable and sought guidance whenever I needed it.
YUCA will always have a special place in my heart as it was my home away from home.”