Meet Aidan, Who Volunteers with Elementary Youth Every Saturday

This year, we are proud to recognize Aidan Wang as our Volunteer of the Year for the Brooklyn Elementary Explorers, in acknowledgment of his two years of commitment to supporting our elementary youth.

“Aidan models for us all what it means to meet our youth where they’re at. Aidan has grown so much as a volunteer and, in his second year, is already a source of sage advice and calm support, reminding his co-volunteers and staff like me to embrace the chaos that comes with our youth simply being who they are. On one rare occasion when Aidan was absent, a youth in his group asked me to take a photo of him holding Aidan’s photo. I know his youth would be the most pumped out of anybody to see Aidan receive this award, and that is a direct reflection of the kind of energy Aidan brings for them every session.” – Serena Yang, Brooklyn Elementary Program Coordinator, shares.

At Apex for Youth, our volunteers are essential to the success of our programs, especially in the Brooklyn Elementary Explorers program. Mentorship in this program means showing up every Saturday morning to help our elementary youth begin their journey of self-discovery. Each week, our volunteers invest their time, energy, and passion in building relationships with third- to fifth-graders in Sunset Park. 

The program includes hands-on workshops, community-driven field trips, and cultural activities, all designed to spark curiosity, promote teamwork, and nurture the exploration of identity and heritage.

Finding a Community With Friends

Aidan has been volunteering for Brooklyn Elementary Explorers for two years. He first learned about the program from his friend George and became increasingly interested after hearing program managers Isabelle and Erica speak about their genuine passion for developing Elementary Explorers. “I was really moved by the program’s emphasis on cultivating social-emotional learning and support for youth,” he says. “So George and I joined together!”

What keeps motivating him to come back is simple. “Getting to connect with the youth, other volunteers, and staff, and the chance to contribute to our community,” he says.

“I will remember you!”

Aidan didn’t have to look far for a moment that captured why his presence matters. At the end of the school year, his youths wrote him notes telling him they had a “good good time,” calling him an “example of calm and kind,” and promising, “I will remember you!!!” “I was very touched,” Aidan says, “and, feeling the same way towards them, I knew our time together had been really special.

“Working with fourth and fifth-graders has been a joy. They’re at an age where they can have meaningful conversations and are forming their own identities, yet are so whimsical and funny!”

Why Mentorship Matters

Aidan sees great value in giving youth a third space beyond their everyday lives. “I think it’s so important to give youth examples of positive, supportive relationships with adults and their peers, outside of their daily lives,” he says. “Also, to give them a space to grow as people, try new things, and simply have fun!”

He is also surprised by what they have taught him in return– to confidently embrace your unique self. “I’m pleasantly surprised at the way my youth are so comfortable and confident being themselves–maybe it’s because of their age–and I’m inspired to be more like them in that way.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

Aidan’s advice to new volunteers centers around meekness and perspective. “Try to come into Apex with humility and an open mind,” he says. “The youth have a lot of other activities and people in their lives, and we only get to spend a small fraction of their weeks with them. So there’s a lot that we can’t change. But if we meet youth where they’re at and focus on fostering positive growth, even if that’s simply providing a safe and positive space for a few hours every Saturday, then we’ve done our job!”

Inspired by Aidan’s story? You too can make a difference. Become a স্বেচ্ছাসেবক with Apex for Youth and help open doors for the next generation.