Sophia Zamora

SBVC student Sophia Zamora believes in showing compassion to everyone, and has found a way to spread kindness through volunteering.

Zamora, a nursing major at Valley College, has lived in San Bernardino for eight years, and appreciates how many different charitable organizations across the city are working to help residents.

“Volunteering in my community is my passion,” Zamora said, and in the fall, she participated in the Feeding Our Community Turkey Giveaway, an event set up by SBVC and Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. It was a success, with the crew distributing more than 2,000 turkeys. 

Zamora felt compelled to participate in the event because “I know how hard it is for families to ask for help,” she said. “I come from a family of 12 siblings and some of the best memories I have are playing with the kids at the church as our mothers stood in line for food on a weekly basis. It doesn’t have to be a bad or uncomfortable situation and as I volunteer, I pass no judgement, but comfort in any way possible for these families.”

As part of her role as vice president of finances for SBVC’s Associated Student Government, Zamora has seen how important it is to have the Valley 360 Pantry, which helps students experiencing food insecurity. She has also participated in events held by Santa Claus Incorporated, the Children’s Fund, and the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and this has further affirmed that just a few hours of giving back can change someone else’s life.

“I would encourage others to volunteer by letting them know that when they return back to their homes at the end of the day, remember that some don’t have that or the essentials necessary to live day to day,” Zamora said. “They could change that by just providing their time to help others in need, and will learn empathy and compassion for the community.”