Take 5 with Volunteer Brandon Nguyen

For our February "Month of Thanks" feature, we were delighted to speak with student volunteer Brandon Nguyen about what keeps him coming back to help out in our Arts Education program.

 

 

I'm a junior at Andover High School with my sights set on a future in architecture. When I'm not painting or practicing my clarinet, you can find me exploring the outdoors through hiking or getting lost in the world of Wikipedia. My ultimate travel dream is to conquer all 63 national parks, and with 14 already under my belt, I'm well on my way! If you're looking for a hidden gem, I highly recommend Capitol Reef National Park -- the Grand Canyon's lesser-known, but equally breathtaking, sibling.

 

 

I first decided to volunteer at The Umbrella during the summer of my freshman year. I knew I wanted to do something art-related that allowed me to contribute back to the community, but there weren’t many opportunities like that up in northern MA. That's when I stumbled upon The Umbrella online, and it was a perfect match with what I was looking for. Not only did it combine my passion for art with the importance of education, but the fun and nurturing environment truly resonated with me. That's why I've kept coming back – it's more than just volunteering, it's a community I'm proud to be part of.

 

 

It definitely feels the most rewarding every time I get to see the kids laugh or have fun. Seeing them run and jump around during theater games, or finishing their lunches as fast as possible so they can play tag or make friendship bracelets always warms my heart. Getting to create lasting memories is so inspiring, and being a part of the experience of them finding their creative voices is why I volunteer - to see them not just laugh, but grow, connect, and discover their artistic voices.

 

 

Don’t hesitate to volunteer! Whether you’re looking for community service that incorporates art, or you just want to give back to your community, The Umbrella is so welcoming and friendly, and I can assure you that you won’t regret becoming involved. You'll be surrounded by a supportive community, make a real difference in the lives of young artists, and grow your artistic exploration in the process. Again, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!