Rachel K., Kettering Fairmont High School
Helping Equals Happiness
One of my favorite experiences with volunteering to help other people was when I played games with other kids who have cognitive disabilities. I decided that I wanted to go out of my comfort zone instead of just sitting at home. I was slightly nervous at first because I didn’t want to say or do the wrong thing, but soon I learned these kids were just like me. We played cornhole for over an hour, and they taught me a new way to play that they had created. It caused a lot of laughs from everyone when I threw my beanbag up and the ceiling panel broke, and it was good to make people smile. We also played some classic board games like Trouble. After, we sat around and had some chips and fruit punch and talked for a little. Two of the boys that I hung out with gave me a high five after and thanked me which made me feel really good, because I had made some new friends. I plan on volunteering for Buddy System bowling with the same kids to see them again and have more fun.
This experience helped me learn a lot about how some people in society are too quick to judge when they don''t even know people. The kids I met were kinder than most people I know, and I had such a fun experience that it didn’t even feel like volunteering. I also learned that helping people can make you feel good inside, knowing that you made them happy and in return they made you feel happy by appreciating you. Having fun during that time really inspired me to try new things even if I’m not used to it because they can be so beneficial to who you are as a person. I think that this experience will always be of value to me because of how it made me feel. I felt empowered because I was able to help people, which is a feeling that is beneficial to our minds. If anyone is ever given a chance to volunteer, you should take it. Sometimes giving out your time and putting effort can be more valuable to someone than money ever would be, and you can gain a lot of knowledge in return.