Molly G., Kettering Fairmont High School
Volunteering
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” - Mahatma Gandhi. For some people helping others is a chore or something they dread doing. It’s like they have to check it off their list and say they did it. For others, like me, helping people is a privilege and an honor. Last year I spent time volunteering at a local nursing home and it brought me great joy seeing the elderly people appreciate my company. At the nursing home I would help feed the elderly people and also help organize recreational activities. I was so ecstatic when they would smile and say I made their day. I believe we give more when we are amused because once people see we are enjoying ourselves the positive attitude spreads. When people see you are bored they are more likely to be unhappy. Having fun at the nursing home also made me want to come back and get more involved. Getting more involved made me step out of my comfort zone and it was well worth it. When others rely on me I’m satisfied because it shows that they trust me and hold me accountable for my actions. It also makes me nervous because if I make a mistake I don’t want to lose their trust and confidence. By volunteering at the nursing home regularly the elderly people started to rely on me more and more. By gaining their trust the elderly people started looking forward to my next visit. They also started to relish our time together. This affected them because they knew they could have faith in me and that I would always be there for them. By having a great attitude while getting involved and by giving more, helping others becomes a wonderful experience that everyone should participate in.