By: Chloe Koo, Red Cross Youth Volunteer

Historically, my summers were spent in isolation. Putting myself out there always felt like homework that I never quite understood how to do, and so despite the overwhelming urge to run away, I forced myself to pull open the heavy door that first day of READYteens, a Red Cross Summer Program that gathered youth volunteers from across the region, including myself, away from my summers of endless boredom.

Surrounded by complete strangers, my confidence soared, and I became an eager learner, feeling great fulfillment and pride in learning these lifesaving skills. I excelled at practical skills, like CPR and wound-wrapping, and actively raised my hands to volunteer whenever I had a chance. Of course, I wasn’t always correct, but with the encouragement of the leaders, I no longer felt scared of messing up or getting questions wrong.

Despite the short amount of time spent together, the 2025 READYteens cohort bonded quickly, cheering each other on and staying connected afterwards. Initially, Bound by Red represented the lasting friendships that I had made throughout the program. I felt strong connections and a sense of community with the other youth volunteers who shared similar experiences. The program was just a start. My positive memories with the organization have encouraged me to continue volunteering with the American Red Cross. With more proper training and education than I had that first summer, I wanted to take on a more impactful role in providing medical care for those who need it the most. And this winter, the Youth First Aid Station Training (YFAST) program has helped me pursue those very goals.

As a part of the YFAST program, my training to volunteer at the 2026 Rose Parade required long hours of training for certifications in Basic Life Support, Blood Pathogens, Administering Emergency Oxygen and more. As a first year volunteer, I felt excited yet nervous. I didn’t really know what to expect exactly; I “understood” my role as youth first aid respondent but I was still unsure about how much hands-on work I would get to do.

On January 1st 2026, my morning began at 2:00 a.m. and by 6:00 a.m., our station began to split up into groups, patrolling our designated area for any medical emergencies. In the rainy weather, I could already feel water pooling in my boots and up the hems of my pants, but despite my half-ripped poncho and the heavy AED kit in my hands, I hiked up and down the streets of Pasadena for many hours, scanning the bleachers for any medical emergencies.

Our station had only a couple patients with minor injuries or medical problems and my area had 0 patients. There were no major accidents or slip-and-falls, and in comparison to previous years, there were very few medical cases. However, despite the inclement conditions, I was finally using my ability to offer help to others. The certainty with which I marched up and down the streets regardless of the tough conditions made me feel empowered and instrumental in the success of the event. I felt proud of myself for being ready to step in with no hesitations and help others with the proper training.

This experience has reshaped the meaning of “Bound by Red” to represent the deep trust and connection I have seen grow among volunteers who genuinely care about helping others. The endless devotion and hard work, especially with the adult volunteers, have inspired me and taught me what it truly means to share a common cause. With the Red Cross, I have learned about the commitment, knowledge and practical skills and found great meaning and joy in helping others. Moving forward, I hope to continue this journey with the Red Cross, continuously growing as a person while also contributing my skills alongside a community of passionate and dedicated volunteers.