Winners of the #GoodHood Challenge Announced!

We’re happy to announce the three students who won our #GoodHood challenge! These three students come from all across the country, from Connecticut to California’s Bay Area, and have dedicated time and effort to serving their communities. Through photo submissions, they showed what they love about their neighborhoods and how they’re working to make it better. Congratulations Kelly, Elaine and Esmeralda!

Kelly Lang, Senior at Westhill High School in CT

Time in buildOn: 2 years

What’s your favorite service project?
My  favorite service project is alternate spring break at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford. I look forward to this every year because my goal in life is to become an elementary school teacher and I really get to experience what being a teacher is like.

What made you submit a photo for the #GoodHood challenge?
I take pictures at most service projects because I believe that when you share those photos, people look at them and are encouraged to participating in service. Everyone can do something so little and easy as painting one flag that will make an impact on the community.

What does service mean to you?
Service to me means doing everything in your power to make the community a better place for everyone living in it. In the process of doing so you have to get to know the people you meet on the way. Getting to really know your community is the only way to make a difference in it.

[hr]

Elaine Cheng, Junior at Oakland High School in the Bay Area

Time in buildOn: 3 years

What’s your favorite service project?
My favorite service project would have to be Trek for Knowledge Haiti. From building the school to meeting the villagers, I know that I have made an impact in Haiti! This has definitely inspired me to be more aware of my resources and to always be appreciative for everything I have in the U.S.

What made you submit a photo for the #GoodHood challenge?
A photo is 1000 words compacted into images. With the big smiles on my trek members to the big smiles on the Haitians faces, I knew that this photo was a buildOn photo. It had emphasized what buildOn brings to the trek members and the villagers in the country.

What does service mean to you?
Service means voluntary work that is intended to help others. I feel as though I am meeting new people and making unforgettable memories with others. Service has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone to grow as a leader. It has not just changed my perspective on life, but it has also made me gain more awareness of myself and what I want to do in the future.

[hr]

Esmeralda Velasco, Junior at Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago

Time in buildOn: 2 years

What’s your favorite service project?
Favorite service project: El Valor with the adults with disabilities. I truly love them!

What made you submit a photo for the #GoodHood challenge?
What motivated you to submit a post for #GoodHood: I decide to participate in #GoodHood to show how much of a difference buildOn is doing in our communities in Chicago.

What does service mean to you?
What does service mean to you: Service to me is an opportunity to help other and to help by self along the way. It is a partnership.