TCYA Atlanta

04/15/2026

2026.04.12 TCYA-Atlanta at Magnolia Senior Living, Sugar Hill亞特蘭大慈少老人院訪視

【Reflection — by Jing Zhou, Parent】

On April 12, 2026, six dedicated youth volunteers from TCYA spent meaningful time at Mongolia Senior Living, bringing warmth, care, and joy to the residents.
During their visit, the volunteers assisted with serving lunch, ensuring everyone was well taken care of, and spent time engaging with the seniors through friendly conversations and support. To make the day even more special, they also prepared and performed art performances, filling the room with laughter, music, and smiles.
This visit was not only an opportunity to give back to the community, but also a chance to build connections across generations. The kindness, enthusiasm, and compassion shown by these young volunteers made a lasting impact on everyone involved.
We are proud of our TCYA youth for their commitment to service and for spreading positivity wherever they go.

2026年4月12日，TCYA的六位青少年志愿者走进Mongolia Senior Living，为那里的长者们带去了充满温暖与关怀的美好时光。
在此次活动中，志愿者们协助分发午餐，细心照顾每一位老人，并通过亲切的交流与陪伴，让长者们感受到关爱与陪伴的温度。为了让活动更加丰富多彩，志愿者们还精心准备了文艺表演，用音乐为现场带来了欢笑与掌声。
这次探访不仅是一次回馈社区的实践，更是一次跨越代际的心灵交流。志愿者们用他们的热情与爱心，为老人们留下了难忘的回忆。
我们为TCYA青少年志愿者的付出与担当感到骄傲，也期待他们继续在服务中传递爱与正能量。

【Reflection — by Chloe Lin】

This time at the senior home I felt more confident in what to do after having gone a few times. Our interactions with the residents went well. Although I was initially nervous to perform since I was the only person to go, I think the performance was received well.

【Reflection — by Esther Li】
Today, volunteering at Magnolia Senior Center was more than just helping out. It allowed me to connect with others and learn about compassion, humility, and connection. As a Tzu Chi Chi-Shao, I’ve come to understand that service is about our actions and the sincerity we bring to each moment. Today made that more clearer than ever.

When I walked into the dining area, I noticed the quiet anticipation among the seniors. Some chatted softly, while others sat alone, and a few observed us with warm curiosity. As I began serving drinks, including sweet tea, unsweet tea, water, and fruit punch, I realized how meaningful these seemingly simple actions were.

Every cup I handed out was not just a drink; it was a chance to acknowledge someone, share a smile, and show respect. Some seniors thanked me with gentle words, others with bright smiles, and a few with excited stories. In those small exchanges, I felt the essence of Tzu Chi’s values—treating everyone with dignity, patience, and warmth.

As the afternoon continued, I thought about how service shapes us. It teaches us to slow down and notice others. I learned that:
- Kindness doesn’t need to be dramatic; it can be as simple as refilling a cup before someone asks.
- Respect is shown in detail, like carrying plates carefully, speaking gently, and listening fully.
- Compassion grows through action, not just intention.

I believe that being a Chi-Shao means serving with a pure heart and expecting nothing in return. Today reminded me that the joy we give to others often returns to us in quiet, unexpected ways.

When Chloe began her violin performance, the whole atmosphere changed. The room, once filled with chatter and clinking utensils, softened into stillness. Her music flowed gently, filling the busy space with warmth and calm.

I saw the seniors’ faces—some closed their eyes, some swayed slightly, and others smiled with a nostalgia that only music can evoke. It reminded me that compassion isn’t just about physical service. Art is also a way to give, a method to touch hearts without words.

Chloe’s performance created a sense of peace and unity in the room. It showed me that service can take many forms: a meal, a gesture, a song, or a shared moment of beauty.

As we wrapped up and prepared to leave, I felt a quiet gratitude settle in. Today wasn’t just about serving lunch; it was about being present, being kind, and being part of something bigger than myself.

I left with a deeper understanding of what it means to serve with sincerity. I also left with a renewed appreciation for the elders in our community. I was reminded that even small acts, when performed with heart, can create meaningful connections.

【Reflection — by Alison Liu】

Today we went to the Senior Home even though it was spring break and there weren't a lot of people there but it was still an amazing experience for us. We first asked what they wanted to drink and then served them food. Then cleaned up after them and had a performance with was Chloe playing the violin. It was a memorable experience for me and I would love to go back to volunteer there again.

【Reflection — by Acadia Liu】

During the Magnolia Senior Living volunteer day, I not only experienced serving the seniors, but also held meaningful conversations with them. I discovered that, even with old age, many were kind and welcoming, and just needed to be appreciated. One of the most memorable instances was when, while I was serving a woman drink, she briefly stated that her English wasn't that good due to being from Puerto Rico, and primarily speaking Spanish. She asked me if I knew how to speak Spanish, and I replied that I learned a tidbit at my school; upon hearing this, her face lit up and she began rapidly speaking Spanish---contrasting with her silent and seemingly gloomy nature I had seen a few seconds ago. Throughout this trip, I learned that there are many was to help our community, some being as simple as putting a smile on someone's face, yet can really help them.

04/01/2026

2026.03.29 [TCYA-Atlanta Community Service Program]: Spring Public Speaking Class Ends on a High Note 亞特蘭大慈少社區公益項目-春季演講班圓滿結業

【Reflection by Enzhong Liu, Teacher’s Parent】

We are so proud to celebrate the graduates of our 8-class public speaking course, a community service program offered by Tzu Chi Youth Association-Atlanta Chapter (TCYA-Atlanta)! The class began with 11 students, and 7 stayed committed throughout the entire journey. Given how busy young kids could be nowadays, this is a great testament to their dedication and enthusiasm for learning.

Throughout the program, the classroom was filled with energy, interaction, and encouragement. With engaging activities, well-prepared syllabus, thoughtful content, real-time feedback, seamless collaboration between the teacher and her lovely assistant, and personalized comment cards with a gold star system, students were motivated to improve and express themselves. The progress was clear — many parents shared that their children’s speaking skills improved significantly, not only in length but also in confidence and clarity. Some are already asking about the next semester, even in summer, and many hope to continue in the same class!
At today’s closing ceremony, 6 students (the 7th has schedule conflicts) took the stage and impressed everyone. They chose from 3 creative topics like “favorite song that changed your life”, “what to tell aliens not to invade earth” and “advice to your past self”. With an interesting contrast — the only girl chose favorite song, while the boys explored imaginative alien encounters. Each student spoke confidently for over 3 minutes, a big leap from the 0-2 minutes many started with. Their creativity, humor, and confidence truly shined. After an anonymous vote by both students and parents, Joe Chen was selected as the favorite speaker — congratulations! But every student demonstrated incredible growth and courage.

Following the showcase, the Tzu Chi Atlanta culinary team served a variety of delicious dishes prepared by their dedicated volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to Tzu Chi Atlanta for providing such a meaningful platform & gorgeous food, to the parents for their trust, to our young teacher and students for their dedication, to our lovely and passionate young teachers Acadia Liu & Esther Li!

This is just the beginning — we look forward to seeing these voices grow even stronger!

2026三月29日，由亚特兰大慈少(慈济少年团)提供的春季演讲班社区公益项目圆满结业。本次为期8节课的公众演讲课程顺利完成！课程最初有11位同学参加，最终有7位坚持完成整个学习过程。在如今孩子们课业和活动都非常繁忙的情况下，这样的坚持更显难能可贵，充分体现了他们对学习的热情与投入。

在整个课程中，课堂始终充满活力、互动与鼓励。在精心设计的课程体系、有趣的课堂活动、内容丰富的教学安排、即时反馈机制，以及主讲老师与可爱助教之间默契配合的共同作用下，再加上带有“小金星”评价体系的个性化反馈卡，学生们在轻松愉快的氛围中不断进步、勇敢表达自己。家长们普遍反馈，孩子们在演讲能力上有了显著提升，不仅发言时长增加，更在自信心与表达清晰度方面取得了长足进步。甚至已有家长开始咨询下学期课程时间（包括夏天假期），许多家庭也希望继续留在同一位老师的班级中学习！
在今天的结业展示中，共有6位同学登台（第7位因时间冲突未能参加），表现令人惊艳。他们从三个富有创意的主题中进行选择：“一首改变你人生的歌曲”、“如果外星人来地球，你会对他们说什么”、“给过去的自己一些建议”。有趣的是，唯一的女生选择了“最喜欢的歌曲”主题，而男生们则不约而同地选择了充满想象力的“外星人”话题。每位同学都自信满满地完成了3-5分钟的演讲，相比最初仅有0–2分钟的表达，这是一个巨大的飞跃。他们的创意、幽默与自信在舞台上闪闪发光。经过学生与家长的匿名投票，Joe Chen 荣获“最佳演讲者S”称号，恭喜！但实际上，每一位同学都展现了令人骄傲的成长与勇气。

在精彩的展示之后，大家还享用了由慈济亚特兰大香积志工们精心准备的丰富美食，让这场活动在温馨与欢乐中圆满结束。

衷心感谢 亚特兰大慈济提供这样一个充满意义的平台和美味的餐食，感谢家长们的信任，感谢我们年轻的老师与同学们的付出与努力，也特别感谢两位充满热情与爱心的年轻老师 Acadia Liu 和 Esther Li！

这只是一个开始——我们期待这些年轻的声音在未来更加自信、更加闪耀！

【Reflection by Esther Li, Assistant Teacher】

Serving as the assistant teacher for Tzu Chi’s Public Speaking Class alongside Teacher Acadia was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. Being in this leadership role helped me gain a new perspective on what it takes to guide a class, support students and peers, and uphold the values Tzu Chi emphasizes—patience, kindness, and compassion.

One of the biggest things I learned was how different it was to teach public speaking rather than just participate in it. As an assistant, I had to:
• Model confidence and clarity for the students
• Help them break down topics into manageable sections
• Encourage them when they feel nervous or unsure
• Give feedback that was honest but still supportive

It made me realize how much work goes into helping others find their voice.
Watching how Teacher Acadia led the class taught me a lot about effective teaching. She balanced structure with kindness, and she made sure every student felt seen. I followed her example by being attentive, stepping in when students needed help, and staying calm even when the class got a little chaotic.

The best part was watching all of the students grow. In the first class, they started shy, hesitant, and unsure, but over time, they became more willing to speak up, share ideas, and take risks, stepping out of their comfort zone. Each of my students had their own spark:
• Alison, who started shy, let her voice grow stronger
• Michael, who tried so hard to organize his thoughts and never gave up
• Mason, who sometimes needed reassurance but always pushed himself to try
• Max, who infused energy and creativity into his speeches
• Patrick, whose unique speech style made the room brighter
• Joe, who found the courage to speak louder and stand taller.

Being part of that progress, even in a small way, was rewarding.

Being an assistant teacher made me understand myself better. I learned that I could be patient under pressure, that I enjoy helping others discover their public speaking style (their “voice”), and that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about service, stepping up and leading the community.

03/31/2026

2026.03.29 TCYA-Atlanta Community Program—CAD and 3D Printing Class Finale 亞特蘭大慈少社區公益項目-2026春季「電腦輔助設計與3D列印班」結業

【Reflection by Ian North, Class Teacher】

Leading this six-part CAD and 3D printing class at Tzu Chi Atlanta was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had. My goal was to help students build a foundation in computer-aided design through Onshape while also introducing them to the process of preparing their work for printing in Bambu Slicer. I tried to make each lesson approachable for beginners while still leaving room for creativity and challenge. We began with a simple abstract model shaped like a lock, which allowed students to practice essential tools such as sketching, extruding, filleting, and sweeping.

As the class progressed, I encouraged the students to take more ownership of their designs and create projects based on their own ideas. They made keychains, small toys, and other original models that showed both imagination and growing technical skill. Although some students were hesitant at first and needed time to get comfortable with the software, they became more confident through repeated practice and individual support. Their energy was clear in every session, and the room quickly became a place of experimentation and excitement. In our final class, they painted their printed creations, giving each design a personal touch and bringing their digital work to life in a colorful and memorable way.

What stayed with me most was watching how much the students developed over the course of the class. They did not just learn how to use a new program. They learned how to approach problems creatively, test their ideas, and improve their work through trial and error. Many started out unsure of their abilities, but by the end they were proudly sharing their projects and even helping each other along the way. Seeing their confidence, creativity, and collaboration grow was the most rewarding part of the experience, and it reminded me how much students can accomplish when they are given the tools and encouragement to explore.

03/10/2026

2026.03.08 TCYA-Atlanta Volunteer Service at Magnolia Senior Living, Sugar Hill亞特蘭大慈少老人院訪視

【Reflection — by Helen Liu, Parent】

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at Magnolia Senior Living, and the experience left me feeling deeply grateful and inspired.

We began by serving food to the residents, which was a simple yet meaningful way to show care and respect. Seeing their smiles as we placed meals in front of them reminded me how small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, especially for those who may not get as many visitors or interactions anymore.

Afterward, we transitioned into playing trivia games together. The room filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lots of encouragement. It was heartwarming to watch the residents light up when they got an answer right or when we cheered for each other. These moments bridged the gap between generations and created genuine connections.

One of the highlights was when some of our younger volunteers picked up their instruments and performed for everyone. The music brought a wave of nostalgia and joy—many residents tapped their feet, nodded along, or even sang quietly. It showed me how powerful music can be in lifting spirits and evoking happy memories.

The surprise performance came from one volunteer’s mom, who treated us all to a beautiful dance. Her energy and grace captivated the room, and the residents’ delighted reactions—clapping, smiling widely—made the moment truly special. It felt like a celebration of life, talent, and the joy that comes from sharing with others.

Volunteering today reminded me that connecting across ages is one of the most rewarding things we can do. The residents shared stories, wisdom, and warmth, while we brought energy, music, and presence. It was a beautiful exchange that left me more appreciative of community, empathy, and the simple power of showing up.

I’m already looking forward to the next visit—thank you to everyone at Magnolia Senior Living for welcoming us so kindly.

【Reflection — by Vincent Lane】

Today, on March 8, TCYA returned to the Magnolia Senior Living Center for our monthly visit. Although there were fewer residents present than usual, we were still very productive.

As always, we helped residents to the dining hall, served lunch, and delivered meals to those who preferred to stay in their rooms.

After lunch, we wheeled residents into the lobby area for the day’s performances. Because there were fewer performances scheduled today, I tried something new and organized a 1960s trivia game for the residents. One resident ended up dominating the trivia, but several others were able to answer questions as well. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and had a lot of fun. After that, the performances included two dance pieces and two violin performances, all of which were very well done.

Overall, the visit was a very meaningful way to start my day.

【Reflection — by Linlin Zheng】

In memory of Mary who passed Away at Magnolia Senior Living

One’s ember lights bright and clear on a barren hill
Joys giggles and sorrow all near
Time elapses as memories flow
Flame blooms and grows
The cold wind wafting dimming the ember
as it fades
The last ember of a dying fire deep in one’s soul
Winter laid its hand upon the hill
The thawing, cold air kissing goodbye
For every ember once burning imprinted in stone
The sparks never faded, just rejuvenated as time and space goes
The resilient flame still grows—just in another’s heart

It’s a new day
What falls to dust rises once again
From quiet ashes, wings of fire were born
The phoenix rises as its wings lift its body from what once was the ground
“Is heaven near? Oh is heaven near?”
Its crimson eyes wings burning strong
The phoenix has arrived in spring dawn
Her wings dissolved in scarlet flames
She rests, her scars healed
The golden sky stitched by the birds singing melodies to the ear
It’s a new day isn’t it?

Mary is a senior resident that stood dear to me. We only spent what little time we had together, yet made a lasting impression. She will forever be remembered to the ones whose love burns stronger than cinders
May her soul rest into the spring oasis
Where she can rest, her soul carrying pieces of material life—
Ascending.

02/24/2026

02/11/2026

2026.02.08 TCYA-Atlanta Volunteer Service at Magnolia Senior Living, Sugar Hill亞特蘭大慈少老人院訪視

【Reflection — by Helen Liu, Parent】

Today I volunteered at Magnolia Senior Living, and the experience left me with a quiet but deep sense of gratitude and perspective. I arrived unsure exactly what the afternoon would hold, but within minutes I found myself standing beside one of the residents who needed help with her meal. Feeding her wasn’t just a practical task—it felt surprisingly intimate. Each small spoonful carried patience, eye contact, and a gentle rhythm we found together. She couldn’t speak much, but the way she slowly accepted each bite and occasionally gave a small nod felt like its own kind of conversation. In those moments, I was reminded how much dignity there is in simply being seen and cared for, even when independence has faded.

Later we moved to the common area for bingo, and the energy shifted in the best way. The room filled with soft laughter, playful teasing when someone called “Bingo!” a little too triumphantly, and gentle encouragement for those still searching their cards. I loved watching how the game drew everyone in—some residents leaned forward with surprising focus, others smiled at the familiar call of numbers even if they weren’t marking them. There was a warmth in that shared activity that transcended winning or losing; it was about being together, being part of something light and predictable in days that can sometimes feel long or uncertain.

Leaving the facility, I carried a few quiet realizations with me. First, how small acts—offering a spoonful of food, sitting beside someone, saying their name—can matter more than we often realize. Second, how much joy and connection still live in these spaces, even alongside the challenges of aging. And third, how lucky I am to have mobility, memory, and independence today, gifts that deserve both appreciation and responsible care.

Volunteering at Magnolia didn’t change the world, but it changed something in me. It made the phrase “we’re all just passing through” feel less abstract and more tender. I’m already looking forward to going back.

【Reflection — by Chandler Wang】

Today, 2/8/2026, marked the first senior center visit this year. There were many new faces as well. Since we had a decently sized group today, we decided to split off into two groups. One group took charge of the upper floor, and the other was responsible for the lower floor. Although the two groups went on different floors, the tasks were the same.

We first conversed with the seniors and then asked them what drink they would like. We gave them a selection of water, lemonade, and sweet tea. I noticed that most of them preferred sweet tea as it ran out fairly quickly. Later, lunch was delivered using a big refrigerator-like steel container. It looked like a refrigerator, but it was meant to heat up and store the food. We then served them a plate of mouth-watering food. Each plate had a feast of broccoli, some chopped-up meat, potatoes, and some other foods. I liked how the chefs cut up the meat, so the seniors didn't have to struggle with cutting it up. Additionally, we served them a small bowl of fruit for dessert.

As we were pushing the seniors back to their rooms and getting ready to leave, one senior said something that really stuck with me. She said how she wished she was young like us and would do so much just to go back four years. It really highlighted how privileged I am right now.

Later, we arranged a bingo game where winners who got five in a row could win chips or candy. Many of the seniors stayed for that, meaning they really enjoyed playing. In the end, we had over seven winners and they were overjoyed. Today's visit was meaningful and productive, so I hope to continue to partake in these events.

【Reflection — by Linlin Zheng】

I walked into the senior living as the cool breeze flowed through me. I waited a little bit and talked to my friends. After that, I went upstairs to serve food and drinks to the elderly. Then, an elderly woman began ranting about another person at her table banging the table. Of course, I settled the conflict between them and even chatted with her for a while. Furthermore, I asked what drink everybody would like and continued to serve food. Lastly, I played Bingo but didn’t win. I even got to have the microphone to say the Bingo numbers and letters. In conclusion, I had an amazing time in the Senior Living and would look toward to volunteering next time.

【Reflection — by Steven Lee】

我今天去老人院的時候，剛開始不知道要做什麼事情， 所以我只能在旁邊看著其他人，看他們會怎麼做？ 但是過了一下子之後，我發現，我有一些事情可以幫忙，像是幫奶奶拿他們需要的東西，然後等他們用完餐後幫他們收餐具，收完餐具之後在一起玩賓果。在玩賓果的時候，我發現蠻有趣的。老人家他們玩賓果很厲害，他們很容易就得到賓果耶！

所以如果還有這種機會的話，我還想要參加。因為也可以認識到很多人，還可以做好事，所以我覺得很棒！

02/05/2026

01/14/2026

2026.01.11 TCYA-Atlanta Volunteer Service at Magnolia Senior Living, Sugar Hill亞特蘭大慈少老人院訪視

【Reflection — by Helen Liu, Parent】

Today, I had the privilege of spending time at Magnolia Senior Living, where we served lunch to the residents and then joined them for a lively game of bingo. What started as a simple act of service quickly turned into one of the most meaningful afternoons I’ve had in a long time.

As we plated meals and brought them to the tables, I noticed the warm smiles and quiet words of gratitude from each resident. Some shared little stories about their day, others asked about ours — and in those small exchanges, I felt the real connection that often gets lost in our busy lives. Serving lunch wasn’t just about the food; it was about showing up, being present, and reminding them that they are seen and valued.

Then came bingo, and oh, what joy filled the room! The energy shifted instantly — laughter, playful teasing, dramatic announcements of “Bingo!” and the occasional groan when someone was just one number away. I loved watching eyes light up with excitement, hands clapping, and neighbors cheering each other on. There was such genuine delight in those moments, and it reminded me how something as simple as a game can bring people together across generations.

Walking away, I felt deeply grateful. Grateful for the residents’ openness and warmth, for the staff who care for them every day, and for the reminder that service isn’t always about grand gestures — sometimes it’s about sharing a meal, calling out numbers, and being part of someone’s happy moment.

Days like this recharge my heart and leave me wanting to do more. The residents of Magnolia Senior Living gave me far more than I could ever give them — they gave me perspective, laughter, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of human connection.

【Reflection — by Vincent Lane】

Today (1/11) was an interesting visit to the Magnolia Senior Living Center. We only had seven volunteers, and I was the only member of leadership there, so everyone had to take on a bit more work to make up for the smaller group.

As usual, we helped the residents to the dining hall, served them lunch, and delivered room service to those who didn’t want to come to the dining hall.

The bingo event ran very smoothly, and the residents seemed to really enjoy themselves. With fewer volunteers, we had three people at the front (including me as the MC) each doing an important role while the others sat with and played with the residents.

Overall, today felt very meaningful, both for me and for the residents.

【Reflection — by Linlin Zheng】

Today I had a good time volunteering. The elderly were warm and kind, the staff were helpful, and I got to do amazing work. The day started out as I ask everyone what drink they would like and then I served food. Then, we played bingo. Everything was going great until I saw my favorite elder, Mary. Her conditions were worsening. She started limping as I guided her to her room. She lost the light I saw earlier. The affable smile I saw on her face when I helped her. This made me feel somewhat shocked but wistful. I hope that she is doing well.

01/10/2026

【慈濟亞特蘭大支會「2025年歲末祝福感恩會」】
活動訂於2月1日（週日）下午兩點在慈濟亞特蘭大會所(3120 Medlock Bridge Rd, Building E, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071)舉行。回顧2025年，世界各地災難偏多，藉此歲末祝福會，讓我們一起感恩過去一年的平安，也為新的一年祈求天下平安無災難。活動當天將致贈「福慧紅包」。

[What]: Tzu Chi Atlanta 2025 Lunar Year-end Blessing Ceremony
[When]: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm EST (please arrive before 1:45 pm)
[Where]: Tzu Chi Foundation Atlanta Branch Office, Level 2
3120 Medlock Bridge Rd, Building E, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071

01/07/2026

2026.01.04 [TCYA-Atlanta Community Service] 2026 Spring Public Speaking Class Kick-off [亞特蘭大慈少社區公益項目] 2026春季演講班第一堂課

By 劉恩忠 (Enzhong Liu)

今天是新学期公共演讲课程的第一堂课，也是亚特兰大慈少社区公益项目的重要组成部分。当天共有 12 位学生中的 11 位到课，出勤情况十分理想，充分体现了孩子们的学习热情以及家长们的积极支持。

课程一开始，Acadia 老师进行了自我介绍，分享了自己在公共演讲和教学方面的经验，帮助学生们快速放松并融入课堂。随后，同学们依次进行自我介绍，课堂气氛轻松而有秩序。Acadia 还介绍了她的助教 Esther，Esther 在课堂中协助组织活动、引导学生练习，确保教学过程顺利进行。两人的密切配合，为孩子们营造了一个高效而有吸引力的学习环境。

在课程内容方面，Acadia 重点讲解了公共演讲的两大核心：写作与表达。写作包括吸引人的开头（Hook）、清晰的结构、主体段落以及有力的结尾；表达则涵盖自信、肢体语言、眼神交流、语音语调和节奏控制。

第一堂课的重点是学习如何设计一个好的 开场（Hook）。学生们学习了多种开头方式，例如引用名言、提出问题、使用 “What if / Imagine” 情景、讲故事或使用有力的陈述。随后，学生们选择自己感兴趣的话题，现场练习撰写演讲开头，并有多位同学主动上台展示。Esther 在一旁给予鼓励和协助，帮助学生增强自信。

此外，课程还复习了公共演讲的基本技巧，如站姿、手势、避免小动作，以及清晰、简洁的表达方式。Acadia 老师引导学生如何吸引听众并掌控课堂。一位家长课后评价道：“她准备充分、经验丰富，善于与孩子互动，总而言之，能够很好地掌控课堂。” 另一位家长也分享道：“我的孩子平时很难长时间集中注意力，但在这 1.5 小时的课程中表现得出乎意料地好，这充分说明课程本身非常吸引人。”

课程最后通过互动小游戏总结所学内容，并布置了下节课的演讲作业。
非常感谢慈济志工们的辛勤付出，给孩子们提供了这么好的学习机会，相信孩子们一定会获益良多。

Today marked the first Public Speaking class of the new semester, part of the Atlanta Tzu Chi Youth Community Service Program, and it was a strong and encouraging start. With 11 out of 12 students attending, the class had a great turnout, reflecting both student enthusiasm and strong family support.

The class began with introductions. Acadia introduced herself and shared her background in public speaking and teaching, helping students feel comfortable and excited about the course. Students then introduced themselves, creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere. Acadia also introduced Esther, her teaching assistant, who supported classroom activities, assisted students during exercises, and helped ensure the class ran smoothly. Their teamwork created an organized and engaging learning environment.

Acadia explained the structure of the course and emphasized that public speaking is built on two key elements: writing and delivery. Writing focuses on strong hooks, clear organization, body paragraphs, and meaningful conclusions, while delivery includes confidence, body language, eye contact, vocal variety, and pacing.

A major focus of the first class was learning how to create an effective hook. Students explored different ways to begin a speech, such as using a quote, asking a question, presenting a “what if” or “imagine” scenario, sharing an anecdote, or making a powerful statement. Students were then given time to choose a topic and write their own introductions. Several students volunteered to present, practicing confidence and audience engagement, with Esther providing encouragement and support when needed.

The class also reviewed public speaking fundamentals, including posture, purposeful hand gestures, avoiding fidgeting, and speaking clearly and concisely. Acadia guided students on how to engage an audience and maintain control while presenting. One parent commented, “She is well prepared and experienced. She is good at engaging young kids, and in a word, she can control the room.” Another parent shared, “My child usually cannot focus for long periods, but he did surprisingly well during this 1.5-hour session. That really says something positive about the course.”

The session concluded with an interactive review activity and an overview of homework, which involves preparing a short presentation for the next class.

Sincere thanks to the Tzu Chi volunteers for their dedication and hard work in providing such a wonderful learning opportunity. We believe the children will benefit greatly from this program.