Yong ’27 helps abandoned animals find loving homes while raising awareness of the issue of abandoned pets in their hometown.
This summer, I dedicated my efforts to a cause that’s deeply personal to me: raising awareness about the issue of abandoned pets in urban areas, particularly in my hometown, Shanghai. Building on my passion for photography and art, I set out to shed light on this hidden problem and to inspire change through visual storytelling.
My journey began with extensive research, visiting major parks and animal rescue centers across Shanghai to document the lives of abandoned pets. The footage I captured revealed the harsh reality these animals face, often overlooked by the public. To amplify my message, I partnered with the non-profit organization TA Shanghai, where I took on the responsibility of managing their social media presence.
A crucial part of this project was learning how to conduct professional interviews. This skill allowed me to capture the voices of volunteers who have been tirelessly working to address the issue of abandoned pets. Their stories, combined with the visuals I had gathered, were woven into a short documentary and several video clips. These were shared across TA Shanghai’s social media platforms, where they resonated with a broad audience, garnering thousands of views.
In addition to the digital campaign, I co-organized a small art exhibition with my sister centered on the theme of abandoned pets. The exhibition was a resounding success, drawing in numerous visitors and sparking meaningful conversations about the issue. Organizing this event taught me invaluable lessons in event planning, from securing a venue to curating a compelling visual narrative.
As the summer draws to a close, I look back on my project with a sense of accomplishment. The positive feedback from those who viewed my videos and attended the exhibition, especially those moved to adopt a pet, has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing animals find loving homes has been the most heartwarming outcome of my efforts, and it has reaffirmed my commitment to continue using my skills to advocate for the causes I believe in.
