This week, I paid a visit to the Paper Smiles club here at West Campus. Dedicated to origami, it is one of the more unique student-led clubs the school has to offer. After spending some brief time there the week before, I was intrigued by its concept and inspired to learn more about the club, its goals, and its activities. After reaching out, I was able to secure an interview with one of the officers, Malay Phu (10). The following is an interview with her about the club
What is your role as an officer?
“I do community outreach”
How did you first get into origami?
“I honestly think it was those videos in second grade that the teacher would put on when it was raining”
What does a typical meeting look like?
“You walk in with your lunch, talk with your friends, we’ll struggle with the TV, play the step-by-step origami video, then our members will either complain about it being too easy or too hard”
What is the club’s goal?
“My personal goal is to help the people in the hospital we give our pieces to. We want to show them that there are people out there who will support them and that are there for them.”
After my interview, I had learned many new things about the club. This included their community service, their meetings, and getting to know one of the officers better. What I originally thought was a simple origami club was, in reality, a charitable community service club beneath the surface.
Paper Smiles embodies the kind and giving spirit that is prevalent at this school. Whether it’s returning lost items, accepting other students, or helping friends in their struggles, the selflessness of the students here at West Campus separates our student body from others across the district. Participating in this spirit can come in many forms, and joining the Paper Smiles club is one of them. Paper Smiles meets in Room 41, biweekly on Fridays.
