Fun Fact: Did you know that nearly 41% of San Jose’s population is made up of immigrants? Pretty impressive, right?
Immigrants embody resilience, strength, and courage. Leaving behind familiar landscapes, they step into the unknown, driven by hope and determination. They navigate challenges, adapt to new cultures, and build lives from the ground up—all while carrying the dreams of their families and communities. Their journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that bravery isn’t just about facing the unknown and thriving in it. Every immigrant’s story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome, rebuild, and inspire.
June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, and we are spotlighting the incredible volunteers who give back to their community.
Meet Ambika
Ambika shares how her immigrant roots have shaped her journey and inspired her to give back to the San José Public Library.
Tell me a little bit about yourself
My name is Ambika, and I'm a junior in high school. I'm also the President of Teens Reach at the San Jose Public Library. I first got involved at the end of 8th grade. Since then, I've had the opportunity to take on various roles—everything from Event Coordinator and Treasurer to a Summer Learning Ambassador. It's been an incredible way to build leadership skills and give back to my community. I'm still exploring different paths for college, but I'm particularly drawn to Biology and Public Health, so we will see what path I end up choosing. Oh, and my go-to comfort food is spaghetti!
Can you tell us a little about your cultural or immigrant heritage and how it has shaped who you are?
I was born and raised in San Jose, but my parents are from South India and I believe my cultural heritage has significantly impacted my life. They’ve always emphasized strong values like discipline, resilience, and giving back to the community. Education, leadership, and positively impacting others are values I’ve grown up with and try to live by.
What San José Public Library branch do you volunteer at, and how long have you been volunteering?
Four amazing years at Village Square — and honored to be named this year’s Volunteer of the Year! Before Village Square opened, I also the Evergreen Branch back in 3rd and 4th grade.
Are there any traditions or values from your heritage that you bring into your volunteering work?
To me, culture and tradition mean showing respect, being kind, and creating a space where everyone feels safe and heard. Above all, I’m deeply committed to being helpful and supporting others wherever I can.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
I’m not exactly sure why I started—honestly, I just saw a flyer and thought, 'Why not?' It seemed like a good opportunity and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve made so many amazing friends—people I really look up to. What keeps me coming back is the connection, the sense of community, and my genuine love for volunteering. I still remember my first event, the Easter celebration—it was a lot of work and pretty stressful, but we all bonded through it. That experience really brought us together.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One of the most memorable Teens Reach meetings was when we gave out free boba—we had the biggest turnout ever and even raised a lot of funds! Helping plan and organize that event was really meaningful because it showed how many people Teens Reach is actually reaching. Even before I became president, I loved being part of the planning process. Now, with membership growing, we’ve been adding more fun and creative activities—like a tote bag craft competition, a tower-building challenge to see which one can survive the longest, and scavenger hunts. It’s exciting to see everyone so involved and having a great time while making a difference.
What does National Immigrant Heritage Month mean to you personally?
For me, it’s a time to reflect on the powerful and unique stories immigrants carry with them. Everyone’s journey is different—especially when you compare it to where they originally called home. Living in the Bay Area, with all its incredible diversity is a reminder that while we all come from different backgrounds, we share common threads—whether it’s our stories, our experiences, or even something as simple as our favorite foods. That connection is what makes this community so special.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library?
I have a ton of passions and I love exploring whatever sparks my curiosity. I’m definitely someone with a mix of hobbies—if something catches my interest, I dive right in! In my free time, I love drawing, and I’m involved in a variety of extracurriculars—from a military-style leadership program to volunteering at a cat shelter, and even exploring aerospace. I’m also really fascinated by different cultures. Honestly, I’d say I’m passionate about everything! I just love learning and growing in all kinds of directions—it’s what makes me feel like a well-rounded person.
Ending Remarks
Interviewing Ambika was a total treat. From the moment I began speaking, her humility and deep passion for community service stood out. Early in our conversation, I had this feeling that she seemed familiar—and then, with quiet modesty, she casually mentioned she was the Volunteer of the Year. Talk about being humble! As she spoke with heartfelt sincerity about her work with the San José Public Library and her involvement in various roles, it became crystal clear why she earned that title. She's the kind of person who makes giving back look effortless—and inspiring.
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