hikjennifer
Feb 10, 2012
Undergraduate / 'heart for humanity' - volunteer experience for common application [4]
PROMPT: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).
In 2006, I volunteered at Queen Elizabeth Home of Children in Grenada to teach the orphans for two hours per week. Since these children spoke English with a strong local accent, it was difficult at first to communicate with them. However, with sustained effort, I began to understand their words. The children were very open and excited to interact with me. In groups, I would engage the children with educational and entertaining activities such as art, reading, writing and playing educational games. The most touching experience at the orphanage was aiding a Down-syndrome boy with an art project. His parents left him when he was three because they could not afford to raise him. His six years in the orphanage was very simple. He slept, woke up, ate, played, ate, and then slept again. He did not expect much from life. After he woke up, he simply reacted to the environment around him. I taught him the same materials every week because he could remember only so much. Ultimately, it seems that the interaction alone was rewarding for him. I have learned to accept him for who he was. From the experience, I understand that the human life can take on many forms. There is no rigid way to live. In the process, I have become more flexible and lively with my decisions as well as in my interactions with others. My heart for humanity grew from my volunteering time at the orphanage.
I need help making this more cohesive and for it to flow better. Would anyone mind reading and critiquing it for me? Thank you.
PROMPT: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).
In 2006, I volunteered at Queen Elizabeth Home of Children in Grenada to teach the orphans for two hours per week. Since these children spoke English with a strong local accent, it was difficult at first to communicate with them. However, with sustained effort, I began to understand their words. The children were very open and excited to interact with me. In groups, I would engage the children with educational and entertaining activities such as art, reading, writing and playing educational games. The most touching experience at the orphanage was aiding a Down-syndrome boy with an art project. His parents left him when he was three because they could not afford to raise him. His six years in the orphanage was very simple. He slept, woke up, ate, played, ate, and then slept again. He did not expect much from life. After he woke up, he simply reacted to the environment around him. I taught him the same materials every week because he could remember only so much. Ultimately, it seems that the interaction alone was rewarding for him. I have learned to accept him for who he was. From the experience, I understand that the human life can take on many forms. There is no rigid way to live. In the process, I have become more flexible and lively with my decisions as well as in my interactions with others. My heart for humanity grew from my volunteering time at the orphanage.
I need help making this more cohesive and for it to flow better. Would anyone mind reading and critiquing it for me? Thank you.
