Overview
Since October 2024, I have led the BNDS Cycling Club, a student organization dedicated to cultivating cycling culture at our school. Founded over nine years ago, the club has long served as a gathering place for riders of all levels.
Background
I first encountered the former president in the summer of 2023, before my freshman year at BNDS, when he invited me to join the club. During those early months when the new school still felt unfamiliar, the club’s inclusiveness gave me a sense of belonging. I resolved then that one day I would give back to this community what it had given me.
The Decline
By 2024, the club began to lose momentum. A downturn in China’s cycling industry dampened broader enthusiasm, in conjuntion with the internal restructure of the club owing to the former president's graduation, the club suffered from a decline of participation and engagement, resulting in a decreased frequency of events and acitivities. Recognizing this decline, I felt compelled to step up and take on a leadership role to revive the club and restore its former vibrancy.
Opportunity
As a close collaborator of the former president, Peiyan Li, now a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I had built trust through consistent involvement and responsibility during events. Although I was not initially designated as the next president, discussions between Peiyan and the incumbent leadership led to my appointment as successor in 2024.
Revival
After assuming the role, I focused on restoring energy and accessibility. I organized interschool rides with nearby high schools, coordinated holiday rides during winter and summer breaks, and hosted on-campus events to make cycling more approachable. I also redesigned the club’s branding and jerseys, raising over $1,500 to support activities. Participation rebounded, and the club gradually regained its vibrancy.
Reflection
As I prepare to pass this community to its next generation, I see how deeply it has shaped me. Leading the BNDS Cycling Club has allowed me to transform gratitude into stewardship. What once welcomed me during a period of uncertainty became a community I was entrusted to sustain. The experience strengthened my leadership and organizational skills while reaffirming the value of inclusiveness and shared ownership in building lasting communities.