3 teens share why they are committed to service

Giving back — no matter how big or small — helps improve our communities.

Meet three Iowa City West High students who are examples of strong volunteers: helping at food banks, contributing to community art projects, even traveling to lend a hand abroad.

How could you use your talents to help your community?

Amira Qidwai

Amira Qidwai (Courtesy of Paras Bassuk)

Amira is a senior at West High School who loves art and is always finding creative ways to incorporate her interests into one big project.

Last summer, Amira went out of her way to participate in a public art project in downtown Iowa City. She was provided a bench to paint whatever her heart desired — and she chose to showcase her cultural heritage.

The project is typically done by adult artists, however, she was able to do it as a junior in high school.

Amira finds joy in helping out even when her schedule is busy. In addition to spending time on her art, she volunteers twice a week in the local food pantry. She said she enjoys having a regular rhythm of volunteering in her schedule.

"It was very fulfilling and very compelling,“ Amira said. ”I feel like they both helped me express myself and express the goals that I want.”

Anna Verry

Anna Verry (Courtesy of Anna Verry)

Anna Verry started giving back to her community on a small scale by volunteering in her church. She then went on a bigger mission in 2019 to David, Kentucky, where she helped with rebuilding homes.

When Anna came back to Iowa, she brought the skills she learned and started volunteering for local building projects.

“There are so many ways you can (give back), you can share your talent,” Anna said. “If you're a good artist, share your art. If you're a vocalist, share your voice. You're good at repairing roofs — repair roofs for someone that might need it.”

Anna is the co-president of the 1440 Interact Club at West High School, which is a branch of the Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M. The 1440 Interact Club aims to encourage students to give back to the community in any possible way. From writing notes to the elderly to fundraising money to help those in need, the club provides group and individual volunteering opportunities for the students.

Helen Zhang

Helen Zhang (Courtesy of Helen Zhang)

Helen Zhang's passion for helping out started at the beginning of high school when she joined the 1440 Interact Club. She fell in love with service work, not only as something to be placed on a resume, but as something enjoyable.

Helen then went on a trip to Mexico for a week to help those in need as part of the Xicotepec Project, which was organized by Rotary Club District 6000 of Iowa and the Rotary Club of Xicotepec.

Four years later, Helen is the co-president West High’s 1440 Interact Club. She said she enjoys the club’s activities because she gets to do them with friends and make a small but meaningful impact on people’s lives.

She hopes to show her fellow students that volunteering and giving back to the community can be done at any scale — even helping a classmate out or picking up trash.

“Volunteering is an experience that can really bring out the best in you, and also help you see life in a better way,” she said.

Mishka MohamedNour is a student at West High School and an editor, reporter and designer for the West Side Story.