Kicking off our community service for 2023-2024 TYP season, several TYP members volunteered at Hand in Hand, a recreation club for neurodiverse youth. In September, TYP members helped lead activities in the Hand in Hand sessions on September 2nd and September 23rd.

The September 2nd meeting had an origami class led by TYP members Sophie Park, Woosung Jung, Hearyn Yu, Luke Menzimer, Dana Park, Jack Yu, Seojoon Lee, and Nathaniel Chi. Each TYP member came with his or her own origami pattern to teach to the Hand in Hand members. The result was a diverse assortment of origami so wide that everyone had something to enjoy and learn from.

On September 23rd, TYP members Gene Chang and Lina Chang led various arts-and-crafts activities themed “Autumn is Coming to Us.” Students were free to create their own fall scenery with tree cutouts, stickers, and markers on construction paper. Then everyone presented their work and explained their artistic choices. Gene reflects, “I realized the value of empathy and understanding… every kid was able to find the courage and motivation to not only finish the activity but also to share it to the entire class.” Lina feels “so lucky to have joined this program and gain new memories and friendships from it. It was nice, simple fun to see the creativity and genuine beauty of each and every student!”