Volunteer in Profile: Karen Zeng

IMG_8544Karen Zeng has always been passionate about music, but when she moved to Canada with her family nine years ago, they weren’t in a financial position to put her in classes. Today, in addition to her involvement with Youth Central, Karen plays the violin in the Calgary Youth Orchestra and the Mount Royal Conservatory.
 
That’s why, when Karen was choosing grant recipients as part of Youth Central’s Calgary Youth Foundation, there was an application that struck close to her heart.
 
ReFreshed helps youth on the street connect to the arts and music, and Karen was part of awarding them $2,000 to further their mission.
 
“We were able to fund a lot of projects like that this year [with the Calgary Youth Foundation], and it’s so incredible to be able to keep them going,” Karen says. “We make decisions that really impact the community. As youth, we always want to help out, but we don’t necessarily know how. Youth Central makes it happen.”
 
Karen’s involvement with Youth Central was triggered when she changed high schools two years ago, from Crescent Heights to Western Canada. She didn’t know many people in her new school, and wanted to join something where she could meet new people. Her friends recommended Youth Central, and that’s where Karen found the Calgary Youth Foundation and the Youth Volunteer Corps.
 
“My path has definitely changed for the better because of Youth Central. Before, I felt isolated. Now, I want to interact with others, and find a career path that not just helps me, but also helps others. I know that I will continue to give back when I’m too old for Youth Central, no matter where life takes me.”