SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Vang Lee

Published online on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008

Where he lives: Near Cedar and Shaw avenues

Occupation, age: Full-time Fresno State student (pre-nursing major), 20

Family: His parents are Yong Lee and Lor Mee Vang. He has three siblings: Ta Lee, Windy Lee and Pa Houa Lee

Why should we know him? Lee has been a volunteer for the Hmong Student Association (HmSA) at California State University, Fresno, for more than two years. Some of the goals of the organization are to share the Hmong culture with others through cultural events and workshops, to help Hmong students adjust to university life and to promote leadership, friendship and moral, ethical and educational standards.

One of Lee's favorite community service efforts with the organization is an annual education conference where volunteers work with high school students -- some who are Hmong refugees -- and encourage them to pursue higher education.

"Being able to work with them brings back a lot of memories because I was a refugee myself, and I remember how difficult it was not being able to speak English," he says. "By working with these kids and guiding them toward success it not only [makes] me feel proud, but it also encourages me to work harder toward my goals because I want to be a good model for them."

Lee also volunteers at the Central California Blood Center.

What are some organizations he belongs to? Hmong Student Association

What are his hobbies? Snowboarding, hiking, running and weightlifting

What would he like to share with others? "Volunteering is not only a good way to learn how to develop the skills that you need for success, but also a way to form new and lasting memories and experiences that will last you for a lifetime," he says.