Shelley Li, a graduated senior from Mission San Jose High School, always held a passion for community service. During her sophomore year, Shelley became a history tutor for SNTutoring, a one-on-one FCSN online program that connects tutors with individuals with special needs, and a youth reporter for FCSN Voices, a publication focused on news regarding the FCSN and special needs community. Later, Shelley led weekly social groups and helped guide FCSN Voices’ transition from a parent-led organization to a youth-led organization, which she now serves as the team lead for. She was also involved in her school’s FCSN club, and last year, she served as its vice president. Through her diverse volunteering contributions, she was named the 2023 FCSN Volunteer of the Year.

Throughout her time volunteering for FCSN, Shelley recalls many memories of tutoring students and leading sessions. Shelley said that her involvement with FCSN Voices has given her a comprehensive view of the whole FCSN community. According to Shelley, learning about the stories and experiences of FCSN parents and leadership opened her mind to new ideas and shaped her perspective. “All of the interviews I’ve had with them are really memorable moments because they are the most hardworking and loving people you’ll ever meet,” Shelley said.

During her time as a new tutor, Shelley initially faced challenges connecting with her students. Over time, she learned to find out what her students were passionate about and tailored her lessons to that. Shelley found that these personalized lessons helped strengthen her connection with students and made them excited to learn. For example, if a student liked Google Maps, she would show them historical locations on Google Maps during their meetings.

For Shelley, witnessing the process of students gradually learning and building positive relationships within classes is gratifying. She recalls that the first student she tutored for FCSN held a reserved personality and rarely talked during classes. When she prepared to log off during their final tutoring session, the student unexpectedly yet heartwarmingly bid her farewell for the first time. “It’s really those small moments that stick with you and make you feel so glad that you are able to teach and interact with them. Just that one phrase, ‘Bye Shelley’, warmed my heart that day and I still remember it to this day,” Shelley said.

She also looks forward to the biweekly meetings with the staff of FCSN Voices and the youth team due to everyone’s contagious energy. “Everyone’s always really passionate, really excited to be serving this community,” Shelley said.

Outside of FCSN, Shelley enjoys exploring local food scenes, hiking, and volunteering. Although she will be studying at Johns Hopkins University on the East Coast in the fall, she plans to continue her involvement with FCSN through the newsletter and the Young Leaders Committee, where she hopes to help build community between high school volunteers and FCSN.