When most people find something they love doing, we simply do that activity for fun, nothing else. However, sophomore Mia Valdez has been able to turn a long-known passion into a way of giving back to the community. Her new non-profit organization, called Ladybug Sewing, focuses on sewing items and donating them to local homeless shelters and retirement homes.
“I’ve wanted to start a non-profit for a while, and for my birthday, I got a sewing machine. I’ve had a passion for sewing for such a long time, and I’ve tried to find a way I can use that to help other people,” Valdez said.
Ladybug Sewing is a new project, as Valdez was only struck with inspiration in late Jan. Since then, she has been busy getting in contact with local non-profits, homeless shelters and senior living facilities.
The name for the non-profit stems from Valdez’s love for ladybugs. The tiny earrings of the adorable insects she wore to the interview highlight her passion for them even more. Valdez has sewn a few items already and plans to donate them in the next month.
“Doing your part, volunteering and being a part of your community and [being a] part [of] any aspect of any change you want to see in your community is something super important,” Valdez said.
Teresa Hayes, Buena’s resident clothing teacher, is super excited for Valdez to get her non-profit off the ground. Having been Valdez’s teacher for two years in a row, Hayes has seen first-hand the growth development Valdez has made over the course of her high school years.
“It’s super exciting to me because it’s [a skill]she learned in my class, she wants to actually sew things, not just get things donated, but she wants to take her own personal time and sew things to then donate to others,” Hayes said.
As well as starting her own non-profit outside of school, Valdez is a devoted student and a hardworking member of ASB.
“[Valdez] is a thoughtful, bubbly, and hardworking student,” ASB teacher Meghan Malloy said in an email interview. “She comes to class with a positive and upbeat attitude and is always ready to help out without hesitation. She is someone that you can count on.”
Across campus Valdez has built rapport with many, including sophomore Camryn Hardy, who has been on the cheer team with Valdez since her freshman year.
“[Valdez] is a ray of sunshine, she is so kind and helpful and puts a smile on everyone’s face,” sophomore Camryn Hardy said in an email interview.
Valdez has expressed how she would love for other people to join her organization if they’re interested and not be scared or hesitant to reach out.
“Sewing is a skill I gained over my freshman year, and from my abuela, and I just want to get more people involved, even if it’s not necessarily sewing,” Valdez said. “Maybe [that’s] donating fabric, spreading [Ladybug Sewing] to people, getting it to Buena.”
Along with being part of ASB, Valdez is also an integral part of Key Club, Letters of Light, AVID and Unified Bulldogs. Valdez will also be the one of the varsity cheer captains for the 25-26 school year.
“My main purpose [is] to inspire others to do what you can to do your part and make an impact on people,” Valdez said. “Be the change that you’re not seeing happen, and make it happen.”
