Waking up with the sun seems like a strenuous task that no college student generally volunteers to do. I had the opportunity to work with Special Olympics- Michigan and loved every second of it. Here are a few things that I learned over the weekend:

1. You Can Learn From Everyone. Special Olympics brings athletes together from all over to compete in their perspective events. The athletes taught me so much about believing in yourself and striving to be the best you can be- despite any limitations they may have had.

2. Athletes Appreciate Volunteers As Much As We Love Seeing Them Succeed. I was overwhelmingly touched by the gratitude that the athletes showed to not only me, but every volunteer over the weekend. There was nothing I loved more than seeing athletes compete at events we set up, socialize at ceremonies, or celebrate on the award podiums. One moment came to my attention specifically at the closing ceremony- an athlete took the time to shake every volunteer's hand that was passing out autograph sheets. As her parents went on their way, she stayed to express her gratitude to the 10+ volunteers that were greeting at the stadium entrance. This heartfelt, teary interaction showed that the 45+ hours of heavy lifting, bipolar weather conditions and tiring days were BEYOND worth it.

3. You Get What You Give. I realized that the Special Olympics experience was truly as beneficial as you make it. There are countless numbers of jobs and things to do- no volunteer ever goes unneeded. I found that it was important to make yourself useful!

4. You Build Relationships With Athletes That They Cherish. I had the pleasure of meeting two track athletes that continued over the course of the weekend. When we would volunteer during the day at the track events, they would come up and tell us about their day, their accomplishments, and when they were competing next. They looked forward to us coming and watching them compete- which we (volunteers) valued just as much! By the end of the weekend, we learned a lot about them and they learned a lot about us. We even had the chance of taking pictures with them and interviewing with the news!

5. Special Olympics Will Leave You Feeling Liberated, Good-Hearted, and Happy. As you can tell from #1-4, I had only positive experiences with Special Olympics and the athletes. The experience of working with Special Olympics was life changing and I cannot believe it took me 20 years to get involved. I met so many amazing people (volunteers, athletes, interns, management, etc.) that I know will continue on far past Summer 2015. Now, after being done with Special Olympics I find myself still reminiscing on the times I had and how I can get more involved in the future. It is great knowing that athletes all over Michigan have their medals in their homes and are (hopefully) looking at them with the same happy heart I have.