Discuss your involvement in and contributions to a community near your home, school or elsewhere. What did you accomplish? How did this experience influence your goals?
Many people in today's society are very self-centered and lack compassion concerning the health and well-being of others. They typically feel that community service and outreach has no benefits because you do so much work and do not get anything in return. However, knowing that somebody else has benefited from my actions is payment enough. Donating your time is just a small way to show that you care.
Two years ago, I volunteered for my first community outreach project with the Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless. I had always seen and heard about people volunteering with this organization but had no idea what it was really about. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and improving the lives of the less fortunate. They provide numerous services to those in need throughout the city of Atlanta such as Food, Shelter, Medical Care, Outreach, and Holiday Dinner events. It is through volunteering here that I was able to get a first-hand perspective of the seriousness of the homeless population in my city.
Once I arrived at the facility it amazed me to see people just like me, some even attending my high school, waiting in line for a hot meal and/or clothing. In the lines I saw families, couples, and individuals. Surprisingly not everybody was "homeless." Due to the economic situation our country is facing, many were just jobless and in need of a free meal. Seeing this made me feel a little ashamed about how I take so much for granted. Some of the people here did not have a home, a bed or even a family. I knew this experience would be one that I would forever use as a constant reminder when I felt the need to complain.
After the initial shock wore off, I was ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. On this day, I wanted to make every person I came into contact with feel like there was someone who truly cared about them if only for a day. I put on my apron and jumped right in helping to prepare and serve meals as well as issue out donated clothing. At this moment, my own cares, issues, and desires were soon forgotten. The thing that was most important was making sure everybody was fed a hot meal along with a caring smile. Until this point, I had never seen so many people getting help at one time and so many volunteers openly giving. It was a wonderful experience that has forever changed my life and made me more appreciative of what I have. That was two years ago, now I always find myself looking forward to volunteering with this organization but also seeking other outreach opportunities.
Volunteering has allowed me to invest in my community by taking initiative in projects where there is a need. It has become such an integral part of my life that I have committed to volunteering my time on at least one project a month. Sooner or later, everyone will need help from somebody else. This experience has opened my eyes and allowed me to reach out, show some love and compassion to those who are having hardships. It has made me more open to live without judgment, to seek hope, and to enjoy the rewards of kindness.
