2023 PupilPrep Summer Giveaway
In 2019, before the pandemic, I endeavored to establish a tutoring program at my former elementary school but encountered obstacles due to funding limitations. Amidst the rise of remote programming, the vision for PupilPrep emerged in 2020 as a virtual mentoring program. Initially, we faced difficulties in recruiting mentors and mentees, but through persistent marketing efforts and outreach to local schools, PupilPrep gradually expanded. Fast forward to 2023, we embarked on a new initiative: the 2023 PupilPrep Summer Giveaway.
Collaborating with Mariam Samake, a fellow student at The Bronx High School of Science, we launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe, leveraging our networks and reaching out to diverse communities. With dedication and hard work, we raised approximately $900, achieving our goal for the giveaway. We began looking at colorful backpacks that zip ever so tightly, the yellowest pencils in the vast aisles, and marble notebooks with the straightest lines. Tamanna Chowdhury from Columbia University helped us design an inviting poster and set up an appealing giveaway table adorned with balloons and a rainbow of colors. We distributed flyers in Starling, the neighborhood where my journey began, as I felt compelled to give back to my community. When I founded PupilPrep back in 2020, it wasn’t just about starting a program; it was about putting my heart into giving back to my community. My mission was rooted in the desire to connect with familiar faces and make a meaningful local impact. I wished to extend a helping hand to those who need it most and foster belonging and support within our neighborhoods.
On August 14th, as we arranged the tables with backpacks filled with materials and displayed academic/leisure books to promote the love of reading, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. I set the mood with the speaker, playing “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson. Parents and children flocked to our tables even before the event officially began, eager to obtain materials. Jade Melendez from Cornell University ensured smooth operations while Tiffany Zheng from Carnegie Mellon connected with families, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Within 30 minutes, our table was completely empty; We thought we were going to be sitting there for a few hours waiting for families to pass by, but we were pleasantly surprised. It warmed my heart to witness the joy on the children's faces, with wide smiles on their faces as they chose their favorite colored backpacks. With the warmth in my heart still going strong, I thought, giving back to my community was truly a blessing.
As time has passed since that giveaway, I’ve yet again felt the desire to experience staying up with my team crossing t’s and dotting i's, piling our giveaway table with thick books, and imagining children walking to class proud to have new materials. As we look forward to the summer of 2024, I am excited about our upcoming giveaway, where we will continue our mission of giving back to the Bronx, this time focusing on a different neighborhood
