Why You Should Join Teen Voices In Alliance (TVA)? Vignesh Balamurugan

 Why You Should Join Teen Voices In Alliance (TVA)?

Vignesh Balamurugan

As a senior about to graduate, I have been reminiscing on my last 4 years from having disdain

for my chosen classes to the incredible opportunities I have missed out on. However, with the

experiences I have accumulated, I realize that there has also been an abundance of positive

opportunities and wisdom that I could impart to the younger audience. One such positive

addition to my life is South Brunswick Library’s TVA – Teen Voices in Alliance. This

organization led by Ms. Saleena at the South Brunswick Public Library has allowed my friends

to meet monthly and collaborate with people in the community to not only incentivize ways for

community engagement with the library but also create ways in which we, as the library, could

positively affect the community. I believe that everyone should help their community but here

are some reasons why you should join this organization:

1. Making a Positive Impact: There is more than one way to create a positive impact whilst

having fun. One such way that TVA manages to do that is through the clubs, events, and

(priority) volunteering opportunities offered. Not only through physical contribution,

your creativity, and teamwork also allow for intimate and contributive discussions at the

monthly 1 hour and 30-minute meetings which are always packed with lighthearted fun

and enticing opportunities to give back to the community.

2. Building Connections: Through TVA, I have met a bunch of wonderful people who have

either become some of my closest friends or those I know I could rely on. TVA wasn’t

created for it but it was inevitable because TVA united anyone that wished to be there and

gave a platform for those who were struggling to find it themselves.

3. Personal Growth: With TVA as a gateway to community service, I started to serve my

community more and through different varieties TVA also taught me to stand by my ideas

as it is easy to hide in large groups whereas TVA doesn’t feel like a large group. Rather it

is almost akin to a home where you can have dinner table discussions.

4. Addressing Social Issues and contributing to something bigger: By contributing to TVA,

you are actively a part of something bigger and that satisfaction can go a long way –

helping others in a way helps you. Plus, through TVA you can participate in discussions

regarding issues in the community and help solve them in a more light-hearted manner

since TVA exists for Teenagers to contribute to their community.

With that being said, TVA has allowed me to grow in diverging manners and I hope for someone

or everyone to find TVA a nurturing environment the same way I did.