By Aleesia Benkey, American Red Cross intern

Before Andrew Chun’s first year of high school, his family moved from Illinois to Orange County, California. While navigating a new school, Andrew found a home at an American Red Cross Club. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

Andrew has shown his commitment to the Red Cross mission through a variety of positions. He has served as a Blood Donor Ambassador, Youth Action Campaign Advocate, Youth Club President, and currently as Youth Advisory Council Chair. This summer, he will staff the GLOW Red Youth Leadership Camp.

As the council chair, Andrew attends the Orange County Board of Directors meetings, oversees and plans all youth activities at the chapter and engages youth volunteers throughout all lines of service.

He loves the variety of events he volunteers at, including Sound the Alarm, training opportunities and working with Service to the Armed Forces. Andrew’s favorite Red Cross memory was the recent Sound the Alarm event in Laguna Niguel.

“It was a really rewarding day. We were able to get a lot of work done and serve our community. I was able to use my Spanish speaking skills and truly connect with the residents,” said Andrew.

When working with new youth volunteers, Andrew shares his advice. “Try to do as much as you can. You never know how much impact you can make on someone, small moments mean a lot to the people we provide service to,” said Andrew, and most importantly, “Have fun with it.”

Andrew’s experience with the Red Cross has motivated him to enter a service-oriented field, one where he can continue to make an impact on his community.

Andrew graduates from Brea Olinda High School in June and plans to attend Case Western Reserve University in the fall to study nursing. He hopes to continue his Red Cross journey as he enters the next phase of his life.