奇速英语

12岁少年用一技之长点亮了谁的生活？

Brayden Belsky, 12, from Bethesda, Maryland, volunteers for KindWorks, a nonprofit that serves the community. He repairs and upgrades used computers, which are then given away for free to people who do not have one at home. This program not only helps improve people’s computer skills but also reduces electronic waste.

Brayden learned to fix computers on his own. He started by taking apart old equipment his family no longer used. Later, he began visiting thrift stores to buy spare parts. After he successfully repaired an old computer and made it work better, he was eager to fix more. He also enjoys watching online videos about computer repair and technology to improve his skills.

For Brayden, the most enjoyable part of volunteering is facing new challenges. He explains that technology is always changing, so there is always something new to learn. Testing new parts and solving problems is fun. However, what he finds most rewarding is hearing how the donated computers help others. Some people use them to find jobs or earn a degree; some are children who need a computer for schoolwork. “It feels great to know that my skills can make a real difference in someone’s life,” he says.

Although he is passionate about technology, Brayden works hard to keep a healthy balance. He limits screen time, takes regular breaks, and spends time on outdoor activities, reading, and being with friends. He also helps at a food pantry and a cat rescue. Volunteering has not been easy. Some adults doubt his abilities because he is young. He must keep up with changes — once an operating system was no longer supported and he had to install a new one. He also learned to be careful after accidentally cracking a screen. As the youngest volunteer, he was shy about speaking in front of others at first, but now he feels confident and enjoys teamwork.

Brayden advises other kids to use their interests to give back. “You don’t have to be an expert,” he says. “Just start with what you love, and you can make a difference.”