Learning to give back in San Francisco
When people think about Silicon Valley, they usually think about technology.
Artificial intelligence.
Startups.
Venture capital.
Unicorn companies.
The next breakthrough innovation.
After spending nearly a year living in the Bay Area, I have certainly experienced all of those things. Yet one of the most surprising aspects of life in Northern California has had nothing to do with technology at all.
It has been the culture of civic engagement.
Before moving to San Francisco, I understood volunteering as something admirable but often occasional. Something people did from time to time when their schedules allowed it. What surprised me after arriving in California was how deeply volunteering and community involvement are integrated into everyday life.
Many of the people I met, from entrepreneurs and engineers to students and executives, dedicate part of their time to causes larger than themselves. Some mentor young entrepreneurs. Others support educational initiatives. Some work with local nonprofits. Others dedicate their weekends to environmental restoration, food distribution or community projects.
The more people I met, the more I realized that many of the most accomplished individuals I encountered were also among the most engaged in their communities.
That observation had a significant impact on me.
Like many people, I have always believed in helping others whenever possible. But living in the Bay Area encouraged me to become more intentional about that commitment.
Over the past several months, I have become involved in a number of volunteer initiatives throughout the region.
One of the most meaningful experiences has been contributing to local food assistance programs. Through volunteer activities supporting food banks, I have participated in food preparation, packaging and distribution efforts aimed at helping families facing food insecurity. These experiences serve as a reminder that even in one of the world’s most innovative and prosperous regions, many people continue to face significant challenges.
Working alongside volunteers from different backgrounds also reinforced an important lesson: meaningful impact often begins with simple actions. Preparing meals, organizing supplies or helping distribute food may seem modest compared to the grand technological ambitions often discussed in Silicon Valley, yet these efforts can have an immediate and tangible effect on people’s lives.
I have also become involved in civic initiatives focused on improving San Francisco itself. One organization that particularly resonated with me was the community movement “Garry’s List” created by Garry Tan (in march 2026), CEO of Y Combinator, which encourages residents to become more engaged in addressing challenges facing San Francisco and the broader Bay Area.
What I appreciate about this initiative is its underlying philosophy. Rather than simply criticizing problems, it encourages people to participate in solutions. Whether the topic is public spaces, safety, cleanliness, economic opportunity or community development, the goal is to create a city that continues to attract builders, innovators and dreamers from around the world.
This mindset reflects something I have come to admire deeply about the Bay Area.
Many people here genuinely believe that progress is possible.
More importantly, they believe they have a responsibility to contribute to that progress.
Beyond these initiatives, I have also participated in community efforts focused on maintaining and improving public spaces. Activities such as park restoration, neighborhood cleanups and environmental stewardship projects may not receive much attention, but they play an important role in preserving the quality of life that makes the region special.
These experiences have allowed me to see a different side of California.
A side that is often overshadowed by headlines about technology and entrepreneurship.
A side built on service, participation and responsibility.
Another area where I have enjoyed contributing is community building itself. Through my involvement with the French-American ecosystem in California, I have helped support events and initiatives that bring together students, entrepreneurs, professionals and newcomers navigating life in the Bay Area.
These events create connections that often extend far beyond networking. They help individuals find opportunities, friendships, mentors and a sense of belonging in a new country.
As someone who moved thousands of miles from home, I understand how valuable that support can be.
Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned from these experiences is that strong communities do not happen automatically.
They are built.
Just like companies.
Just like institutions.
Just like cities.
They require people willing to contribute without expecting immediate rewards.
People willing to invest time, energy and effort into improving the lives of others.
Living in Silicon Valley has taught me many lessons about innovation, ambition and technology.
But it has also taught me something equally important.
The most successful societies are not built solely by entrepreneurs, investors or engineers.
They are built by citizens who care enough to participate.
As I continue my journey in California, I hope to deepen this commitment. Not because volunteering looks good on a résumé or an application, but because I have come to believe that contributing to a community is one of the most meaningful ways to become part of it.
The Bay Area has given me extraordinary opportunities over the past year. Giving back, even in a small way, feels like the natural response.
