“Touching lives and making a positive impact on others’ lives is probably the most rewarding feeling I get from volunteering,” says Andres Fuentes, a senior at Archbishop Rummel High School,
Fuentes is involved in many clubs and organizations in his community. He is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council for the City of Kenner, Editor in Chief of Raider’s Digest, Ambassador for Rummel, manager of the Track and Field and Basketball teams, member of the Latin Club, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Big Brothers and is an Eucharist and Campus Minister.
“I have always been taught that you’ll never find true happiness in material wealth or gain; the only way to find actual happiness and have a sense of fulfillment is to be unselfish and devote what possessions and talent one has towards friends, family and community,” says Fuentes.
His most rewarding volunteer experience has been helping Second Harvest and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council with the Thanksgiving Food Drive in Rivertown. Fuentes didn’t have any idea on what to expect for the day. The group filled bags with typical Thanksgiving dinner: canned yams, pasta boxes, corn, corn bread mix and other goodies for the needy to enjoy. Once the bags were complete, Fuentes was able to wait in line with the family and carry the groceries to their cars or wagons.
“I got to know them as true people and developed real relationships,” says Fuentes. “I had a feeling that I was truly making a difference for a family, giving them a dinner for the holidays that they would not have otherwise without me.”
This past January, Fuentes went to the March for Life in Washington DC. Fuentes was excited that he was able to go to the streets and voice his beliefs, passions and opinions on this topic, about which he’s very passionate.
Joshua LeBeouf, Fuentes’ Latin teacher, helped shape the activist he is today by teaching his students the importance of their own opinions and ideas.
Fuentes wants to attend Loyola University in New Orleans and major in Journalism while minoring in Political Science. He desires to become a reporter for a news station or newspaper,but has a dream to be an NBA writer for ESPN. He hopes to extend his activism through the political spectrum by assisting with campaigns, donating and getting involved in politics.
