“Being part of South Bay Youth Changemakers has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. Before SBYC, I cared about social justice but didn’t know where I fit in or how to take action as a young person. I used to doubt whether my voice mattered especially as a young Asian-American. But through doorknocking, workshops, and just being in community with others, I’ve learned how to organize, speak with confidence, and build real relationships. It’s empowering to be surrounded by other AAPI youth who’ve felt the same way—overlooked, disconnected, or unsure where they belong. SBYC gave us a space where we’re actually heard, cared for, and challenged to grow. It’s not just an organization, it’s a space that really sees us, especially those of us from working-class or system-impacted backgrounds. I’ve watched my peers come out of their shells, speak up, and take on leadership, and I’ve grown so much too. I’ve found my voice, my people, and a sense of purpose. SBYC fills a real need in our community, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

After my first summer with SBYC, I didn’t join in the fall of sophomore year. I was busy and thought I would be stressed out. But midway through Sophomore year, I felt I was missing something. Looking back I realized my biggest mistake was not accepting the school year program. I made the decision to reach back out to SBYC staff to ask if I could rejoin the program, and when I did that I felt like a part of me had been reinstalled again, and it was easily one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so far. 

I’m a Core leader now.  As a leader I’m someone who really values personal connections with others. In the future I do want to pursue a start up! But now I’m definitely thinking about majoring in something social justice related also. I want to have a role in movement where I get to connect with people and understand their experiences. I’m learning this in SBYC. SBYC has been one of the biggest parts of my life and I’m going to stay involved through high school and beyond–that’s a no brainer.

My family is a Vietnamese refugee family, who chose to reside in San Jose. I was born and raised in the same community throughout my childhood, and have seen the changes throughout the years - the good and bad. In SBYC, I learned that confronting issues is the first step for community rebuilding, and taking breaks is not a sign of weakness, rather it is self-care. The safe environment SBYC has built in my hometown motivated me to further my education in the ethnic studies department in UC Davis.

SBYC is a collaborative space for the youth. Members can voice their concerns and develop improvements for their communities. While it’s Asian American based, it’s inclusive as anyone can join. People of diverse backgrounds come together for a sense of wholeness, to allow their voices to matter. In K-12 public education, not all cultural perspectives are mentioned in class, so having a space within the community, such as SBYC, amplifies their voices and representation.