Tag: Youth

Last Summer When We Became Each Other’s Teachers

This summer, calling it the “Summer Leaders’ Program” might sound a bit grand, but we had a small time of learning that was all our own.

The rule was simple. We taught our friends something we were good at.

One friend taught us how to draw. She started with the basics, like how to choose colors. We enjoyed drawing together.

Other friends taught another how to ride a bike. The hands holding the bike from behind let go, and the moment she pedaled on her own is still vivid in our minds. We all enjoyed that day and had lunch together as well.

We realized that teaching is much more fun than we expected. Of course, learning from friends was much more fun than we thought as well. When we shared something that we knew, and saw friends’ faces light up, we felt happy too.

It doesn’t have to be a grand program. We are just a small group of friends and their moms, but being together made this summer even happier.

Little Voices-Poem Awards

Little Voices

2025/2026 Award

We first appreciate all six creative participants, Grace, Hayoon, Ryan, Lea, Leo and Jinho. We also appreciate our six college student reviewers from the University of California — Davis, San Diego, and Santa Barbara — for their thoughtful reading this year.

First Place · Sun’s Award

The first place goes to Mom’s Timer, written by Hayoon.

Second Place · Moon’s Award

The second place goes to Photo, written by Lea.

Third Place · Star’s Award

The third place goes to Me, written by Grace.

Reviewer Comments on “Mom’s Timer”

The central theme of “Mom’s Timer” is something everyone will experience at some point in their lives — the fear of losing a parent. It personifies that fear beautifully, and its literary structure and style are equally beautiful.

— Pavel, UCSB

I found the premise of “Mom’s Timer” to be really profound, showing a strong understanding of human emotions and relationships. In the poem, a timer is tied to the mother’s response to her children’s behavior and actions. In many ways, the child acts in accordance with the mother’s wishes to prevent her from “leaving,” and that causes the child to feel anxious. Feeling that their time with their mother is limited, the child chooses to make more happy memories with her. The poem captures the tension between wanting to be close to a parent and being careful not to upset them.

— Anonymous, UC Davis

This poem left the strongest emotional impact on me, resonating deeply through its subject and metaphorical approach. It reminded me to appreciate the time with my mom and how fragile a human heart can be.

— Anna, UC Davis

“Mom’s Timer” was well-worded, with digestible lines and stanzas. The theme of the poem was powerful, expressed through carefully chosen phrases and thoughtful intent behind every line.

— Kenny, UCSD