At age 17, Allison Hill of San Diego, CA, was given a children's dance studio, which she now runs as a performing arts center for disadvantaged children.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Allison: When I was seventeen, I took over a children's dance studio that was given to me as a good deed. Since then, I have spent every moment attempting to be the best performing arts and training center for children. However, my main goal is to help less fortunate children escape the restraints of poverty and poor education/direction. The studio has helped many low income children, foster children, and kids who have been hurt by the hardships of life. I have many ideas for the future, but it is hard to act as a nonprofit organization when we are not. I have not made money since my organization was established. The only reason I continue is my belief that someday the hard work will help somehow.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Allison: The Element Performing Arts Center, La Mesa, CA.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Allison: Children. Boys, girls, dancers, musicians, and artists. I believe in the importance of arts to build strong dreams, and a hope for a better and more beautiful life to live. It's an escape from life with a positive benefit. Kids need to believe.

What inspired you to get involved?

Allison: I think I was simply tired of people mistreating each other, and I wanted to create a sanctuary for children that was safe, positive, and inspiring. I also have been somewhat without, and I recognized the need.

How did you first get involved? Give us some details.

Allison: When my father divorced my mother, I became a scholarship student of the previous studio I attended. I worked there almost every day to pay my dues, and the owners passed on the title to my family on the account that I had taken great care of the business.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Allison: The completely bizarre jokes that come out of absolute misery and exhaustion.

What is/was the hardest part?

Allison: It's hard to see people not stand up for what's right.

What was the biggest surprise?

Allison: Although I have been presented with tremendous adversity, I have also received many wonderful miracles. The Element has the most diverse and unique staff in San Diego. I owe that all to the process of life. It's made everything worth fighting for.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Allison: I've learned to be slow to speak, and never, ever judge. I treat the maid as the queen and look at my luck as a blessing and in no way take credit. I've also come to the realization that I know nothing and must continue to learn and grow personally/professionally.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Allison: Don't volunteer and tell.