Every person I have come in contact with has left some sort of impact on me, whether it is positive or negative. Through each encounter, I have learned from the actions of others--such actions that I intend to utilize in my own life. I have received the biggest impact from the sick and elderly people whom I volunteer to help every Sunday at Barclay Rehabilitation Center. One person who has impacted me the most is Elsie, one of the patients at the center. She, without even knowing, has opened my eyes to reality, particularly my blessings. I now learn to appreciate my life in a way I had not thought of before.

The first time I volunteered at Barclay Rehabilitation Center, I was very nervous. Coming from a privileged private school, I had not been exposed to worldly issues, such as the effects of living in a nursing home. I was unaware of the loneliness and lack of love each patient faced, since most of them did not have frequent visitors. Thus, I was shocked by the welcoming approach Elsie gave me. Although I was just a stranger to her, it was evident she was excited to meet me. As soon as Elsie introduced herself to me, she gave me a huge hug and immediately showered me with compliments. It was in this moment that I experienced my epiphany; despite the harsh reality Elsie faced, she always kept a smile on her face.

Elsie has become an inspiration to me. As we have become closer, she often tells me about her childhood and even offers life advice. I will never forget the visit I had, when some families visited their sick and elderly parents. As I watched new people crowd around their loved ones, I noticed Elsie was still alone. As she flipped through black and white photos, I sat down next to her, and watched her smile beam. I asked her if she was okay, to which she nodded and said, "My family may be gone, but I still have my friends, and I still have the memories." It was in this moment I realized Elsie decides to look at the glass half full, which I admire. Although she may not have the life she dreamed of, she still has an optimistic view of her reality. She does not let the fact that she is lonely and repeating the same routine each day drag her down. Every visit since then, Elsie's smile grows bigger and bigger.

I intend to use this lesson of looking at the glass half full in my own life. Being a teenager in high school, I have faced many obstacles, such as with my grades, social life, and athletics. Instead of allowing these distractions to lower my mood, I now think positively. By doing this, I acknowledge my blessings, such as my youth, family, and friends. I use these blessings as a source of motivation, pushing me to rise above a dramatic rumor or bad game. Elsie has become the spark I needed to face my adversities head on, as she does, and I plan to share this lesson with my colleagues in college.