Meet Vidditi Khanna, an 8th grader at Sutter Middle School. Vidditi is in her second year of involvement with Hands4Hope, and has become a participant in many different aspects of Hands4Hope. She serves as the President of the Sutter Middle School Hands4Hope Club, and is also the Middle School Representative on the Hands4Hope Youth Board. She partnered with Meredith Wharton, Hands4Hope Board Director, to create a campaign for Hands4Hope's Big Day of Giving effort, and has also been seen volunteering for Hands4Hope Fall Festival, and other community engagement opportunities. She says, "These experiences in Hands4Hope have provided me with a community that I love and cherish very much."
Vidditi's Hands4Hope Club mentor, Lara Davis, said that Vidditi is an excellent speaker, well organized, and stands out among her peers. "I nominated her to be the Middle School Representative on the Hands4Hope Youth Board because of how well she handles her responsibilities," said Lara. "I see her following in other leaders' footsteps who are now thriving in high school Hands4Hope Clubs, and look forward to her continued involvement!"
Describe your involvement with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference so far.
I heard about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference from my sister when I was little, and when I got to middle school I joined the on-campus Hands4Hope Club. It was like a whole new world of volunteer service for me. Before I joined the Club I was always trying to find opportunities to volunteer and give back to my community, but it was difficult to find places where I could consistently volunteer and form a schedule. This is why Hands4Hope was a perfect fit for me because there are several activities including weekly meetings, outreach events and many more.
How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you into the person you are today compared to when you first joined?
When I joined the Hands4Hope Club, I got the chance to be the secretary. I looked up to the rest of the officers and wanted to follow in their footsteps. I watched how they conducted the meetings in an orderly fashion and kept everyone on task and engaged, which inspired me to try and do the same. My experiences with Hands4Hope have shaped me to be resourceful, a quick thinker, and a problem solver. The skills that I have gained helped me become a better leader both inside and outside of the Club. Before I joined this Club, I was used to getting things done exactly how they were planned, but I have learned that sometimes everything does not go perfectly and there needs to be some flexibility in our approach. These experiences have taught me to keep things in order even when we have to go off track.
What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
My favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope was giving the owner of the organization that we had fundraised for last year the check. Planning for the fundraising event (a carnival) was difficult but worth it. I saw the owner’s face light up as we presented the check to her. I was happy to know that I was a part of helping a growing organization that made other peoples’ lives better.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
First I would tell someone considering joining Hands4Hope the mission and vision of Hands4Hope and how we go about helping nonprofits. Next I would tell them about the opportunities that Hands4Hope is able to provide to youth who want to contribute to the community, Lastly, I would tell them about the friends that they will make during their participation in Hands4Hope.
How do you see yourself being involved in the future?
I see myself being a part of Hands4Hope throughout high school and using the skills that I have learned in Hands4Hope to help people throughout my life.
What activities do you enjoy outside Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I enjoy planning events for the school in my leadership elective and making school more fun for everyone. Another club I am a part of is speech and debate in which I do humorous interpretation and get to make people laugh! I also enjoy building my cases for debate. I like to explore arts and crafts like making jewelry, coasters, and doing henna. I like to cook with my family and spend time with them. Lastly, I love to do horseback riding and play tennis.
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