When Thomas Bartlett first walked into an AHC classroom as a nervous freshman, he wasn’t sure what to expect. His older sister had been volunteering with AHC throughout high school and invited him to join her during her senior year. That first day turned into a four-year commitment — and a family tradition.
“I do remember my first time [volunteering]. I was definitely very nervous,” Thomas said. “I think after my first day, I realized I really enjoyed it. I liked building connections with the kids … so I just kept coming back.”
Thomas volunteered with AHC all throughout high school and did his senior experience course with AHC’s Resident Services team. He graduated from Yorktown High School in the spring, and now, as Thomas heads to Syracuse University to study business, his younger brother is preparing to start his own volunteer journey with AHC as a high school freshman.
Thomas said volunteering with AHC taught him a lot and helped him form strong connections with the students, and he’s excited for his brother to have the same opportunity.
“My favorite part is definitely the bonds I built with some of the students. When I’m coming to AHC or even leaving, they’ll bang on the windows when they see me, and they’ll always want to work with me.”
– Thomas Bartlett, AHC volunteer
As Thomas started regularly volunteering, his mother, a former teacher, began volunteering too. She originally came to drive him to the community center but soon decided to stay and contribute her own time.
“It definitely feels good having your whole family there instead of just you,” Thomas said. “It’s more motivating, seeing your entire family … taking time out of their day to volunteer and help people.”
Thomas said his time with AHC has been instrumental in his life, helping show him what it means to support others. He even wrote about AHC in his college admissions essays and looks forward to returning to it when he’s back from school.
As Thomas heads off to college, he’s proud to be passing the torch to his younger brother, continuing the family’s legacy of service.
“I’m excited because when I say I’m leaving next year, I tell the kids, ‘You’ll see my younger brother next year,’” Thomas said. “I’m happy for him, and I’m excited for him to experience what I have.”
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