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Henry (middle) with the Student Open Circles volunteer group at the LAF after school program.
by Henry Guan, Open Circle student
Student Open Circles (SOC) has become much more than a community I belong to—it has deeply influenced the way I see myself, others, and the world around me. I discovered Open Circle during my first year at university while looking for volunteering opportunities, which led me to their community service branch. My first placement was with Pathways to Education, where every week I tutored local high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary for post-secondary success. This experience was eye-opening; I saw how transformative a few hours of academic support could be in changing the trajectory of a student’s life, and I began to understand the ripple effects of kindness and mentorship—similar to the very support I receive from people like Jeff and Marybeth, and the wider Open Circle community, whose encouragement and guidance have become essential parts of my own journey.
Since then, I continued to volunteer with Student Open Circles at the Learning and Fun Afterschool Program (LAF), where we mentor elementary school students to develop their social and financial literacy. I saw how foundational skills like these empower young minds and give them confidence. I also volunteered at Conway Opportunity Homes, a residence for adults living with disabilities. This experience wholeheartedly deepened my appreciation for patience, empathy, and the importance of inclusion. This year, I decided to challenge myself in a leadership position as a volunteer group facilitator, and I currently lead an SOC group to volunteer at a local food bank, working alongside fellow students to distribute food to those in need. Together, these experiences are broadening my understanding of community building and the value of working together to address social issues.
Every day after school, our student volunteers individually mentor and provide homework help to children at LAF.
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Recently, I began exploring other facets of Open Circle that are enriching my university experience in unexpected ways. One of these is the reflection circles—weekly drop-in sessions for students to explore creative and reflective practices around topics such as mindfulness, stress management, and healthy habits. These sessions help me slow down, gain clarity, and find tools to better navigate the pressures of university life. Open Circle events and retreats have also played a significant role in deepening my sense of community. From stargazing at the Planetarium to planting trees for a forest restoration project, and enjoying gatherings like the Bonfire retreat, these experiences offer opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Each event brings new faces into my life, turning them into lifelong friends, and reinforcing my sense of belonging within a supportive network.
Henry and his Good Food Centre volunteer group visit 541 Eatery & Exchange, a not-for-profit community cafe helping community members overcome the impacts of isolation, poverty, and inner-city issues.
Looking back, Open Circle taught me that community isn’t just about belonging to a group, but about actively participating in the growth of others and contributing to a shared sense of purpose. Service isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, being present, and building meaningful relationships along the way. Being a part of Open Circle gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of kindness, reflection, and connection. It helped me navigate the challenges of university life, provided a sense of community I didn’t know I was missing, and left me with friendships that will last a lifetime. Taken together, these moments shape how I approach life, reminding me of the power of small acts of service and the beauty of living with intention.
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Open Circle's Retreat exploring downtown Hamilton.
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