When I was a kid, I had a weird fascination for physical newspapers and postage stamps. I created a homemade mailbox for family news bulletins, forcing my parents to read my horrible writing.

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When I moved to the U.S. in 2019, I faced challenges adapting to a new environment, not only because of the language barrier but also due to a lack of awareness about student opportunities in community service and academic programs.

 

As I started my sophomore year in high school, I reimagined my childhood hobby of creating newsletters on a larger scale. Along with some friends, we started a newsletter service called Kudos exclusively for students. It began in my local community of Great Neck and soon expanded across Long Island and into New York State.

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• Our newsletter quickly evolved into a significant platform for connection and information. We partnered with various organizations to promote their volunteer events.

• We also welcomed contributions from high school upperclassmen who made advice videos on college application essays and other topics, which enriched the content of our newsletter and broadened its appeal.

• Our team grew in size and skill, driven by a shared commitment to providing valuable information and opportunities to our peers.

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Looking back on this journey, I feel immense gratitude. This endeavor has not only reignited my childhood passion but has also become genuinely beneficial. Our newsletter has become a sought-after source of information, helping students navigate their high school years more effectively. It's a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the pursuit of a shared vision.

 

Starting from a cardboard box on a shelf to reaching the screens and hearts of numerous students, this experience has been absolutely incredible.

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— Yifu Zuo, Kudos Founder