Growing up, my parent's made it clear, that there are always people in the world who were not as privileged as I was. Some children didn't have coats, a meal or a place to sleep; all things for which I often took for granted. I used to do community service because it was a "requirement," then I realized it was so much more than that.
As a college student, it's hard to look at the world outside yourself. Everyone is so engulfed with their grades, jobs and clubs, that they forget the world is changing around them. At the beginning of my college career I used to be that typical college student. Until I decided to re-dedicate myself to community service, just as I had done before I came to college.
I got involved with numerous community service organizations, thinking my experience would be just as it was all the years before. However, I quickly learned, that I was wrong. For the first time in my life, I truly understood the impact of participating in community service. I finally realized that the people you serve, in many ways, are depending on you. They look forward to you serving them a meal, tutoring them, or even just talking to them for a few hours out of the day. What I used to think of as a requirement, suddenly meant so much more.
Seeing the impact I had made all the difference in the world. I stopped thinking inside myself and realized that these people depended on the service of others. It takes a fraction of your time to service someone, even in the smallest ways possible. Simply donating a coat, canned good, or toys can change a person's perspective drastically.
I used to think that I was changing lives, but really the people I've serviced have changed mine. I used to think that life was about what's going to get me ahead, instead of thinking about what's going on around me. Sometimes people get wrapped up in their own lives, and that's okay. However, one should always think in the perspective of those who are less fortunate. Often times, I find myself complaining: "Ugh, I really don't feel like doing my homework." Then, I remember, that I'm fortunate enough to receive an education that millions of people cannot have. I like to remind myself that life is unpredictable, one day I could be in need of service from a college student just like myself. So instead of doing service because I have to, I now do it because I love to. The people I serviced have given me this outlook on life, and for that, I am forever grateful.
