Combatting Burnout With Passion

Jillian Cheng (she/her) is a sophomore high school student who stays closely involved in her school and local community through a mix of services, leadership, and hands-on engagement. Through Model United Nations, she has grown more aware of global issues and found herself thinking more critically about how different perspectives shape the way the world is understood and discussed. She is also part of the National Honors Society, where she takes part in service projects like tutoring, beach cleanups, and fundraising efforts that directly support her community. In addition, she contributes to Assisteens in Huntington Beach, where she helps support local outreach through work connected to a thrift shop. She also serves as the Director of Marketing for GIVE, where she helps organize and promote student-led service projects such as food packing, gardening, and community cleanup efforts. Across these experiences she is drawn to work that feels tangible and community centered, especially opportunities where small, consistent actions add up real impact.

Multiple activities and accomplishments that Eli Chang (he/him) has completed relates to his high interest in music, as well as helping others. Being a member of the Huntington Beach Assistance League for one year, he has attended numerous meetings that provide volunteer services towards the community. Along with this, Eli has had numerous volunteer hours gained when performing at senior homes, both virtually and in person. Additionally, he started a non profit organization, which started in 2024, that utilizes fundraisers to create essential needs packages for those in need.