As a nonprofit, the Garden relies heavily on volunteers. While we temporarily suspended our volunteer program due to the pandemic, GLOW allowed us to safely bring volunteers back into the Garden. 

One of those volunteers is Riley Leongkaye, a 16-year-old Peninsula High School student. On December 23, Riley hit the massive milestone of having volunteered at GLOW for more than 100 hours while still maintaining her 11th grade school work and studying for finals. It’s an impressive feat for any high schooler, but Riley isn’t just any teenager. 

Earlier this year, Riley was in a traumatic bicycling accident that left her with a severe concussion and her lower gum detached from her teeth, among other injuries. She woke up in the hospital having no memory of the last four months of her life. While her amnesia was temporary, she still suffers from short-term memory issues, problems focusing and speech issues after undergoing plastic surgery to fix her gums. She missed the first 3 months of school. 

“The accident helped me become more grateful for everything in my life, especially my friends and family,” Riley said. “With the support from so many people, I have gotten back on my feet and I feel like I am very aware that things could have been worse.” 

And now she’s giving support to others. Riley first began volunteering at GLOW because she needed volunteer hours for school and her friends had enjoyed volunteering at GLOW. What began as a one-time gig quickly became a regular occurrence as Riley sought to fill a void left by the pandemic.

“GLOW filled the gap that cancelled/reduced sports practices had left in my life. Volunteering provided a new outlet for my energy, which was used before in hours of sports practices,” Riley said.  “GLOW helped me find a way to get outside and socialize with people safely. Every time I come to GLOW, I just have a fun time regardless of whether I’m with my friends or not. At this point I know most of the staff who work at GLOW, and I’ve had so many positive experiences with them, and just GLOW overall, and that really pushes me to volunteer when I can.”

And she’s a welcome addition. Garden staff have been impressed with Riley’s spirit and energy, always showing up to the Garden (dropped off by one of her parents since she doesn’t drive yet) with a smile on her face and ready to help. 

An added bonus for Riley, volunteering helped her work on her focus when it came to balancing school, using the same mentality she’s used while training for sports.

“I made sure to really put my head down and work as much as possible immediately after my classes ended until I had to leave for GLOW and would work to finish up afterwards or would wake up early to finish my studying,” Riley said. “If I had homework, I would only go to one shift at GLOW at most. I really think that getting all my energy out at GLOW helps me be more productive in finishing my schoolwork.”

Like we said, she’s not just any teen. 

If you’re interested in volunteering at South Coast Botanic Garden, please visit our website at https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/volunteering/.