July Volunteer of the Month: Jeric Yuen, Highlands Youth Advisory Board

Congratulations to Central Park resident Jeric Yuen for being selected as July’s Volunteer of the Month! He recently stepped up to serve as treasurer on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. Jeric is always ready to lend a helping hand, and it’s evident that he genuinely enjoys volunteering at community events. Thanks for all you do, Jeric!

He had the following to say about his time volunteering and living in Issaquah Highlands:

Hello! I’m Jeric, and I’ll be a sophomore at Issaquah High School. I’ve grown to love the Issaquah Highlands, and by being on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board for the past two years, I learned a lot about the importance of our community.

What do you like best about living in Issaquah Highlands?

The events in the Issaquah Highlands bring large crowds together and spark lots of engagement and fun. However, the public infrastructure in the Issaquah Highlands can also make a short walk through the neighborhood a unique and special experience. Things like pickleball courts or the active, busy playgrounds strengthen the sense of community in Issaquah Highlands. Some of the small things are also the most important.

What brought your family to Issaquah Highlands?

I have lived in the Issaquah Highlands my whole life, but before my parents knew about Issaquah Highlands, they were trying to find a place that allowed me and my siblings to make good friends and explore various opportunities in the community. When they stumbled upon the Issaquah Highlands, my parents were amazed at how this area had so much to offer, and I also feel that way about the community today.

Could you tell us about your family?

My family and I also love the Issaquah Highlands for its environment. After learning about all the trails and scenery that could be found here, my family and I have been going on evening walks throughout the neighborhood and sometimes in the forest. It amazes us to see such beautiful views in a place close by, which is one of the many reasons why we enjoy it here.

How did you become involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands?

When I was younger, I went to all kinds of events in Issaquah Highlands like Highlands Day and Global Grub and Groove. It feels almost magical to be in events where so many activities and people form into a large, engaging atmosphere. In seventh grade, I heard that my brother was in the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board, a group of middle and high schoolers who work together to create these events. When I learned about this, I realized I could join more events with others and play a bigger role in the community, so I joined the HY Board shortly after.

Tell us about your experience as a volunteer and on the HY Board.

Ever since I joined the HY Board, I’ve been able to participate in all kinds of community events with other peers, but the concept of volunteering is both unique and significant in its own way. When working on large events like the Middle School Halloween Party with other HY Board members, I learned more about what’s happening behind the scenes while being able to contribute to these large projects. By being on the HY Board and hosting events with great people, I’ve developed a sense of belonging to my community.

What advice would you give other teens/adults about volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?

Regardless of how, where or when you volunteer in the Issaquah Highlands, this act of giving to the community is rewarding in its unique way. There are many ways to volunteer in our community, but even small things like running a card game during a public event or helping vendors during The Village Market can allow you to meet new people and better understand the efforts that go into the things that make up the Issaquah Highlands. There’s no one way to volunteer, but many things make it worth it.

Volunteering is a two-way interaction. By bringing members of your community together, you’re also coming closer to the community. That is why I love joining the events in Issaquah Highlands. It’s a time to not only give to the community but to explore it as well.