Volunteer Spotlight: Art Zhang

When Art met a parent who drove in from Langley to a robotics camp hosted by VRES in Burnaby, it reinforced what he was already beginning to understand through his volunteer work: meaningful educational opportunities matter to families in the Lower Mainland, and parents are willing to make an effort to access them. 

Moments like these have shaped the way he thinks about education. It isn’t something delivered from one person to another, but something built through patience, kindness, and shared experiences. 

Art first joined VRES as a volunteer while taking steps toward his future teaching career. Over time, his connection to the organization and its mission continued to grow, eventually leading him to join the VRES team as an employee. What spoke to him about the VRES was the focus on children gaining access to learning opportunities they might not receive in school. 

He is motivated by the belief that even a single experience, such as a robotics camp, can open the door to lifelong interests and possibilities, helping children see new ideas as something within their reach. Watching students become more confident as they worked through challenges together fortified that belief for him.

One moment that stayed with him was at Lego Art camp, when a young student felt very nervous about participating and wanted to hide away instead. For Art, this was a learning opportunity as well as an empathetic moment. It reminded him of moments in his own life when nervousness made him want to step back from something unfamiliar or overwhelming. He chose to step in gently and create an environment where the student felt heard, understood, and comfortable participating. He made the student feel comfortable enough that they wanted to participate again and soon began to immerse themselves in the activity. Before long, the student was engaging with the group and taking part in the activities alongside the other campers. For Art and the student, the moment became a meaningful learning experience.

This moment deepened his understanding that every child is different, with their own interests, strengths, and fears. As a volunteer and educator, he believes it is important to remain adaptable and open, meeting children where they are so they can be supported in the best way possible. 

Beyond working with children, Art shared his love for working with volunteers who come from all walks of life. He appreciates that VRES brings together individuals who share a common commitment to expanding access to education for children across all communities.

Working alongside volunteers with different backgrounds and experiences has made the environment especially collaborative and rewarding for Art. For him, that diversity makes the experience more meaningful, creating a space where learning and collaboration extend beyond the classroom.

Through his volunteer work and now his current position as a camp counsellor, Art has seen firsthand how meaningful educational experiences can shape the way children see themselves and their future possibilities. As he prepares to begin his journey as an educator, Art carries with him a clearer sense of the kind of learning environment he hopes to create: one where every child feels seen, supported, and able to try. He hopes to bring these experiences to his classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking creative risks, and learning at their own pace. His goal is to become an educator who prioritizes empathy, patience, and adaptability in the classroom.

His path from volunteer to employee at VRES has deepened his belief in the power of accessible, community-centred education.