How Is One Local Student Giving Back Before Starting Her Next Chapter at USC?

Before beginning her next chapter at the University of Southern California, local community reporter Amaya D'Souza spent the summer giving back to the place she calls home.D'Souza returned to the Coachella Valley this summer after graduating high school and said she spent valuable time with family and friends before leaving for college. Along with enjoying time with loved ones, she found a way to make an impact through education.She worked with Think Together, a California-based nonprofit organization that partners with schools to provide educational programs for students. Through the program, D'Souza taught dance at schools in Desert Hot Springs and downtown Palm Springs within the Palm Springs Unified School District.Although she had experience as a dancer, D'Souza said becoming a teacher came with unexpected challenges. Working with groups of third and fourth graders pushed her to grow as an educator and adapt to the needs of younger students.Despite the difficulties, she said the most rewarding moments came from watching students discover a passion for dance and gain confidence in their abilities.D'Souza explained that seeing children who had never danced before perform for their families was a meaningful reminder of why community programs matter. She said dance has played an important role in shaping who she is, and being able to share that experience with younger generations was a special opportunity.She also credited her co-educator, a professional dancer with more experience, for helping her become a better teacher and person throughout the program.As she prepares to leave for USC, D'Souza hopes others will look for ways to support their own communities.Her message is simple: find areas where help is needed and take the opportunity to make a difference. For more Coachella Valley News visit NBCPalmSprings.com