Fiona H., Incarnation Catholic School
Summer Service Impact
Over the last few years, I have done quite a few activities that have been considered service to others, my school, and my community. One certain experience, however, continuously stands out among the rest, and has encouraged me to do more for others. This occurrence is donating my time at Safetyville for one week in the past two summers. This experience was rewarding and valuable to me in many ways, and has had a positive impact on how I look at volunteering in general, because I had such a great time doing it.
Having fun is a big part in how anyone performs an act of service. Actually, this goes for doing anything. If one goes into an activity with a good attitude and is prepared to keep it that way, they are definitely more likely to want to do it again, and that’s why I think I do give more while having fun. Attitude is everything. The first time I heard of this opportunity was in the sixth grade, awaiting summer’s arrival. At the time, it seemed like a nightmare. The offer did not seem appealing whatsoever, but little did I know I would end up taking it, and not regret that I did.
It was the summer of 2016, mid-June. I was up much earlier than I would have liked to be, sitting in the small cafeteria of Primary Village South elementary school awaiting the arrival of incoming kindergarteners with some of my peers. That’s where my week-long adventure began. Throughout the week, I got to guide some of the sweetest little kids I have ever known to each room to learn about various topics of safety. They all loved being around me, giving lots and lots of hugs, and telling me all they learned. I enjoyed the fact I was making their day better. That is the exact reason why I returned to the same small cafeteria the following summer, and had an equally amazing experience.
This experience at Safetyville impacted me by teaching me that service didn’t have to be a burden. It taught me that service is something I would want to do again, not because I had to, but because I enjoyed it. I loved being with the kindergarteners, but I also loved being able to help the great people running Safetyville, the ones behind the operation. Knowing that someone appreciated the work I put in to make the program a success with doing things as simple as setting out coloring sheets on the table to occupy the children coming in that week. The best part is I was fulfilled doing it, helping out with whatever I was instructed to do.
Serving doesn’t have to be a requirement that one does not look forward to. It can be something one genuinely can have a good time doing, and most likely will not regret in the end.