Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Madeline Chang. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
One thing I am proud of is how I have overcome my fear of public speaking. I used to be incredibly fearful of speaking in front of others, and would often stutter through every presentation or speech I ever gave. Being forced to do presentations was the most dreaded part of my day. However, after receiving advice from an upperclassman who watched one of my presentations, I would begin shaping my life with her advice. She told me that everyone is often too worried about themselves to truly care about what you are saying. I carry this throughout my daily life and it inspired me to go for things I originally thought I was not good enough for.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
My dad is someone I am incredibly grateful to, for his work in helping me alleviate my anxiety. Every night, he would stay by my bed and talk me through all the worries and anxieties I had been experiencing. I distinctly remember one night, after experiencing a difficult event, I had stayed up almost the whole night trying to fall asleep unsuccessfully. Eventually, he began talking about how coffee beans turned into coffee. He stayed up for hours explaining to me the process, and eventually, under the assurance that my dad would always be there for me, helped me get through that rough time. Not only this, but he’s the person I come to whenever I have questions about ANYTHING – I would be no where close to where am today if not for him.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
I am currently working on a project to address the illiteracy rates at a local elementary school. The curriculum currently used has research debunking it, and neglects to teach students in a way that effectively increases their reading proficiency. I chose to start it because illiteracy sets one up for a lifetime of challenge, and every child deserves to be given the opportunity to do great things. This project involves the creation of an afterschool program that would focus on phonic-based and content-based learning, with the addition of larger projects the children will work towards each trimester.
Why did you choose to be an intern for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to be an intern for Educate, Radiate, and Elevate because of their emphasis on providing help to students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. I was particularly interested when I read that the organization taught essential life skills, not just academics. Additionally, the provision of resources from computers to even WIFI showed ERE’s tireless commitment to their cause. I wanted to assist in a cause that truly cared about the students they were helping, by providing alternatives for those who didn’t have access to technology. Lastly, ERE’s remote opportunities and opportunities from research/marketing give way for a diverse group of individuals to contribute.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
ERE’s Core Value of Cultural Responsiveness speaks the most to me. Cultural responsiveness is something often overlooked in today’s society. ERE’s dedication to that shows their mission goes beyond just being another nonprofit and actually understanding the student. Their adjustment of practices to accommodate this value spoke to me as well. As someone who did not growing up with a strong connection to her culture, the organization giving the opportunity to these students will only create a more diverse environment for this upcoming generation.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
With volunteering, one can create an impact difference on the community. Everyone plays a part during organizations; a memory I distinctly have of volunteering is when I first arrived to help set up for a Run-for-Cancer event. Although there were few volunteers in the beginning, eventually, a sea of volunteers wearing bright purple shirts eventually filled the area. This instance resonated with my belief of the fact that everyone makes a difference. I also enjoy the ability to build connections with other volunteers–helping the community with like-minded people is something I am deeply passionate about.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy writing prose & poetry and am interested in pursuing my budding interest in slam poetry through competitions. I also enjoy Journalism & graphic design, two things I would be able to do as a member of my school newspaper next year. On the topic of graphic design, I enjoy recreating visuals for pretty much any Instagram account I follow! Creating visuals in a variety of styles helps expand my design ability. My last interests include editing photos & videos in various software. Although learning how to do so is quite challenging, I enjoy immersing myself in YouTube tutorials that teach me.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
An amazing trip I took was when I went to New York during January. It was my first time away from my family, something I was incredibly nervous about. Through this trip, I gained an increased sense of independence. I was also able to have a lot of fun with friends, as it was a club-sponsored trip. I enjoyed being able to go out at night and see the city completely awake; an experience I was not used to, coming from someone who lived in the suburbs.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
Dumpling Days–I read the book when I was in second grade and it has stuck with me ever since. It is a story about a Chinese American girl who never felt completely right in both of her cultures. Even in the second grade, I always resonated deeply with the main character. Her experiences felt as though I was looking in the mirror, and I even remember one of the main plot points of her best friend moving away was relatable to me as well. The main character was somewhat based on the author’s experiences, so knowing that real people had gone through the same thing was heartwarming to know as a young girl.
Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
“Actions speak louder than words.” This quote helps propel my mindset into actually creating change and helps keep others accountable for creating change as well. It is relevant to my life because oftentimes, I feel that I rely on purely apologizing to make my situation better. However, I now realize that words do not mean anything if there are no actions to back it up. Forgiveness requires you to show the other person you have truly changed, shown by one’s actions.