For years,I was part of Team Tanzania.The team was made of teens,ranging from twelve to eighteen years old that had a knack for performing and helping others.We performed at the City of Hope,an AIDS orphanage in Tanzania, and at an orphanage for domestic abuse victims.For Christmas,we performed for the domestic abuse kids and bought each one gifts.Seeing the smiles on their faces was truly enlightening.
We were chosen by our teachers,and by the Phil Simon Clinic.The Phil Simon Clinic is a group of doctors that visited the orphanage in Tanzania.Our main fundraiser for this cause was a performance at the Baldwin Park performing arts center,we raised money from tickets,food,and a silent auction.I was the lead alto singer of the group for the performance,and one of the lead roles in the play.
During the years I was involved,six of us had the chance to go to the orphanage.To figure out who the lucky six were was a long process.We not only had to meet the health and grade requirements but also had to learn Swahili.Everything was going great for me, until the final step.Parental permission was the one test I did not pass.I stayed here in the states and helped with more fundraisers.Throughout my time with the group we raised over $250,000.
Seeing these poor kids with absolutely nothing,changed how I viewed myself and my life.During the process we had pen pals from the orphanage.The girl that I talked to had little to nothing;she had to walk miles for water,no electricity, and no parents.Everything I took for granted,was out of reach for her.To be able to give someone the resources they need for life,is fulfilling.I look back at this experience,and am proud of myself.I could have been spending my time fulfilling selfish wants,but I used my free time to help other people survive.I really do care about helping people,with the only return being the feeling of a good deed.Even though I am not fully involved with the team any more,I would help in a heartbeat even to this day.
We were chosen by our teachers,and by the Phil Simon Clinic.The Phil Simon Clinic is a group of doctors that visited the orphanage in Tanzania.Our main fundraiser for this cause was a performance at the Baldwin Park performing arts center,we raised money from tickets,food,and a silent auction.I was the lead alto singer of the group for the performance,and one of the lead roles in the play.
During the years I was involved,six of us had the chance to go to the orphanage.To figure out who the lucky six were was a long process.We not only had to meet the health and grade requirements but also had to learn Swahili.Everything was going great for me, until the final step.Parental permission was the one test I did not pass.I stayed here in the states and helped with more fundraisers.Throughout my time with the group we raised over $250,000.
Seeing these poor kids with absolutely nothing,changed how I viewed myself and my life.During the process we had pen pals from the orphanage.The girl that I talked to had little to nothing;she had to walk miles for water,no electricity, and no parents.Everything I took for granted,was out of reach for her.To be able to give someone the resources they need for life,is fulfilling.I look back at this experience,and am proud of myself.I could have been spending my time fulfilling selfish wants,but I used my free time to help other people survive.I really do care about helping people,with the only return being the feeling of a good deed.Even though I am not fully involved with the team any more,I would help in a heartbeat even to this day.
