Congratulations to Vista Park resident Zinna Park for being recognized as our October Volunteer of the Month!
As president of the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board, Zinna has gone above and beyond to ensure everyone feels included this year. She is kind, hard-working—and most importantly—she shows up and makes a difference! Whether she’s translating written materials into Korean or contributing articles for Community Connect magazine, Zinna is always willing to lend a helping hand. Thanks for all you do, Zinna!
She had the following to say about her time volunteering and living in Issaquah Highlands:
***
What brought your family to Issaquah Highlands?
My mom wanted to put roots down somewhere where a sense of community and education was prevalent and valued! After constantly moving around for five years or so, we found Issaquah as the perfect place to do so! I have grown up here since I was little, attending schools in Issaquah School District (ISD) since elementary, and it has been a wonderful experience!
What do you like best about living in Issaquah Highlands?
I think just the sense of community and natural surroundings makes it so tranquil and tight knit! It’s a great feeling when all your friends and people you know live in Issaquah Highlands, and it’s also a great feeling when you take a morning walk and run into people you know! It makes living at Issaquah Highlands feel less vast and more approachable and friendly.
Could you tell us about your family?
My family is pretty small! It’s just me and my mom, and I would say that we are a pretty straightforward household here in Issaquah Highlands. We both love the outdoors and traveling, so whenever we’re both free, we try to go on a hike or even take a loop around the neighborhood!
How did you become involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands?
I got involved as a volunteer through the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. I was able to join the HY when I was entering 10th grade, and since then, being on the board has opened up so many incredible opportunities for me to engage with the wider Issaquah Highlands community.
Tell us about your experience as a volunteer and on the HY Board.
It’s hard to even think about a place to start! I have so many fun (and sweaty) memories of running a station or booth at a summer Global Grub and Groove celebration and having the opportunity to work alongside other dedicated volunteers around my age. The youth board has exposed me to such immense levels of volunteering, and it has definitely shifted my perspective on how I want to contribute to my community, as well as the dedication and passion that I have for public service. This has all been reinforced with my time as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands.
What advice would you give to other teens and/or adults about volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?
I would just say go for it! Issaquah Highlands is such a welcoming and approachable community, and there are so many opportunities to volunteer and get involved if you look for it! I think while the idea of getting involved in volunteering might seem daunting and all-consuming, it can always be what you want it to be and what is the right fit for you! I think that there is a space for everyone of all different backgrounds and experiences to get started, so don’t hesitate!
Anything you’d like to add?
Just a thank you to Issaquah Highlands as a whole! I feel like at a certain point in my life I wasn’t really sure what it meant to be a member of this community. All of that really changed when I started getting involved. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of those involved with Issaquah Highlands, and everyone who works hard to keep it running.
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?
Opportunities are available!
Click here to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees, as well as urgent needs at local nonprofits.
Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Executive Director.
