A Senior’s Journey: Ashley Lee’s Unforgettable Experience at PAVA
With graduation on the horizon, high school senior Ashley Lee reflects on one of the most fulfilling parts of her high school experience, her time at PAVA, the Pacific American Volunteer Association. From coastal cleanups to tree-planting initiatives, Ashley has found joy, community, and purpose in working alongside passionate volunteers who share her love for the environment.
A Warm Welcome into the PAVA Family
Ashley first heard about PAVA around her freshman year when her sister invited her to a beach cleanup event. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she recalls with a laugh. “I just thought I’d be picking up some trash for a couple of hours. But it turned out to be so much more.” From the moment she arrived, Ashley was struck by how welcoming and hardworking everyone was. “People were introducing themselves, sharing tips, and really making me feel like I belonged,” she says. Unlike some organizations where volunteering feels like a chore, PAVA had a different energy, one of genuine enthusiasm and teamwork.
At first, she wasn’t sure if she would fit in. She wondered if she would be able to make an impact or if she would just be another face in the crowd. But as soon as she got her hands dirty, picking up litter alongside volunteers who cracked jokes and shared stories, she knew she had found something special. The shared sense of purpose made every event feel less like an obligation and more like a fun gathering of friends working toward a common goal.
Making a Difference One Event at a Time
Over the years, Ashley has participated in a variety of events, each leaving her with unforgettable memories. One of her favorite experiences was a tree-planting event with Amigos de los Rios. “We spent hours digging, planting, and making sure the young trees had the best chance to grow,” she explains. “It was amazing to think that in a few years, the small plants we planted would be providing cleaner air for future generations.” Another highlight for Ashley was a massive coastal cleanup effort that took place last summer. “It was a gloomy day, but that didn’t stop anyone,” she says. “We picked up hundreds of pounds of trash, and by the end of the day, the beach looked like it had been completely transformed.” Seeing the immediate impact of their work was a powerful reminder of why their efforts mattered.
Some of her most cherished memories come from the little moments—laughing with new friends as they untangled a mess of fishing lines from rocks, dancing to music playing from a volunteer’s speaker while sorting recyclables, or sharing snacks and stories after a long day of hard work. “There’s something so rewarding about looking around and seeing how much we’ve done together,” Ashley reflects. “It’s like we’re leaving our mark, even in the smallest ways.”
The People Who Make It Special
What sets PAVA apart, according to Ashley, is the people. “Everyone is here because they truly care,” she says. “No one is forced to be here, it’s all passion-driven.” She admires the dedication of the volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years. Whether it’s seasoned environmentalists or first-time participants, the collective energy and motivation make every event exciting and rewarding.
It’s not just about cleaning up the environment; it’s about the friendships, the shared laughter, and the sense of belonging. “I’ve met some of my closest friends here,” Ashley says. “We might have started out as strangers picking up trash, but by the end of the day, we’re swapping stories, making plans to meet up again, and building a community that goes beyond just one event.” Ashley also looked up to the older volunteers who mentored and encouraged younger members. “Seeing people who have been with PAVA for years, still showing up with the same enthusiasm, is so inspiring,” she shares. “It makes me want to keep going and do more.”
As Ashley prepares for college, she knows her time with PAVA has shaped her in more ways than one. “It’s taught me responsibility, leadership, and the importance of giving back,” she shares. “Even when I leave for college, I know I’ll find ways to stay involved in environmental efforts.”
Beyond the technical skills she’s learned, how to plant trees and organize events, Ashley has gained confidence and a greater sense of purpose. She’s learned how to be a leader, how to work with others, and how even the smallest actions can add up to something meaningful. “It’s not about being perfect,” she says. “It’s about trying. Every tree planted, every little effort matters.”
Ashley’s journey with PAVA has been more than just volunteering, it has been about building lifelong friendships, learning valuable skills, and making a tangible impact on the environment. As she moves on to the next chapter of her life, she hopes to inspire others to get involved in causes they believe in.
When asked what she would say to someone considering joining PAVA, Ashley doesn’t hesitate. “Do it,” she says with a smile. “You’ll meet amazing people, have a great time, and most importantly, you’ll be making a real difference.”
For Ashley Lee, PAVA has been more than just a volunteer organization, it’s been a source of inspiration, friendship, and lifelong memories. And as she looks back on her high school years, she knows that the impact of her time at PAVA will stay with her forever.
<Esther Hong Student Reporter> LACES ehong0006@mymail.lausd.net
