Serdar has made exceptional connections in his host community through his nearly 100 hours of volunteer service. Serdar joined the Hanford Leo Club in September. At their most recent event, the Salvation Army’s Christmas Food Box and Angel Tree Toy Distribution, Serdar helped set out donated items for families to choose from. That day, his work benefited more than 1,000 people in need. After this event, he asked Susan, the Leo Advisor, how else he could help. Together, they went to the food pantry and filled 28 food boxes for social services to use in the upcoming days. Susan has worked with many World Link students, “…but there is just something special about Serdar. He is full of energy and brings a lot of enthusiasm to every event. He brings smiles to everyone.”
When school started, Serdar joined the youth organization for Soroptimists, “Club Dirt” environment club, and Skills USA. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and got the lead role of “Count Dracula” in the musical “Graveyard Shift.” Teachers describe Serdar as a strong student, which is no surprise since he ended the semester with straight As. The school counselor has been grateful for Serdar’s assistance with a Ukrainian refugee attending his school. They appreciate the kindness he shows to this student and helping interpret when needed.
Serdar had already given two cultural presentations at school, plus performed his national dance during the fall musical performance and at the pep rally, but his 20 International Education Week presentations made Serdar a star. He created a short video about Uzbekistan for the big screen in the lunchroom. Serdar taught his culinary class to make somsas, which is now part of the class's yearly schedule. He bravely sang the Uzbekistan national anthem over the loudspeakers to the entire school. By the end of the week, he shared his culture with nearly 2,000 people in his community. And his American peers and fellow Leo members now know how to perform an Uzbek traditional tea ceremony!
Serdar seamlessly fits into his host family. His host mother said “I never have to ask him for help. He sees what needs to be done and does it. He loves to share his culture with our family, especially in the form of cooking, baking, and serving tea for us. He’s been such a wonderful fit in our family. I have to remind myself to clarify he’s my exchange son when talking to people about my boy.”
Congrats Serdar!
