Eager to further explore these connections, I stayed involved with Alliance San Diego. Throughout the summer, I canvassed by making phone calls to advocate for solutions for San Diego’s local issues. Through my work at Alliance San Diego, communicating with community members introduced me to issues like homelessness, inequality, and the challenges that marginalized communities face. It wasn’t just an educational experience, it was a call to action. I realized that community work could be a powerful tool for change, especially for someone like me, still learning about my roots.
As my commitment to community work deepened, I took on an internship with Alliance during the summer of my junior year. I helped coordinate event logistics, conducted research on social media outreach, and attended networking events to connect with other nonprofits. With each project, I felt my role evolve, from a volunteer trying to help locally, to someone who could influence larger community initiatives. This growth helped me understand the impact of community service.
Working alongside leaders from similar backgrounds gave me a sense of belonging that was profoundly meaningful. Learning about the challenges faced by my community, while also connecting with its strength and resilience, helped lay the foundation for my identity. I learned from my experience with Alliance San Diego that community work is not just about giving back, it is also about finding myself.
