What?
There is a thread in my life that keeps me whole and bound together tightly. Technology has connected our world so closely that borders no longer separate cultures or lives. I find myself most grounded when I step away from the electronic devices. Connecting with the people in my community and extending a helping hand is my salvation. The thread that keeps me whole is my belief that serving others is the only way to live.
My passion to serve others began before I can remember. I am the oldest of four girls, and helping my mom with my sisters was ingrained in me early. At a young age I discovered just what the true power and impact of serving others has on lives. It was a particular moment, a simple smile from a girl I had just met, that sparked the flame in my heart, burning with the passion for serving others.
So what?
In 7th grade, my CYO volleyball team hosted the first annual “Nick’s Knights” sporting event. We invited local schools with developmentally and physically challenged children to come to our school and learn to play volleyball and football with our teams. Each of my teammates was paired with a special needs child. I was partnered with a beautiful girl who had moderate autism, Sandra. I had specific drills set up to teach her particular volleyball skills. Sandra challenged herself with each drill, but was easily frustrated when she made a mistake; a smile was vacant from her face most of the morning. It wasn’t until all of the kids played a “real match” that afternoon, with a referee and a cheering crowd, that something changed inside of Sandra and in myself. During the match, the ball was passed to Sandra and with a look of complete determination she successfully passed it over the net. After she did this, she looked at me. Her face adorned with pure happiness and joy. Her jubilant smile and the faces of the players, parents, and the other participants I’ll never forget. This moment was simply magical.
I am thankful everyday for what Sandra gave me. I realized that the simplest of acts of kindness are the most rewarding. I have since then looked for simple ways to bring happiness to others in my community.
In my high school, in the spirit of appreciating simple acts, I decided to start my own club called, “Students for Seniors”. Growing up, my grandmother has been in an assisted living facility due to many disabilities. I found that sitting down with the residents and having a simple 10-minute conversation brought so many smiles and a world of gratitude. Subsequent visits inspired me to create a club where students volunteer at local nursing homes. We visit and offer company and conversation to the residents. Although very simple, the power of a small gesture like this is immeasurable.
Now what?
A simple sporting event, or a visit to a nursing home may not seem to be life altering, ask the athlete or the nursing home resident and they would say otherwise. I have continued my passion of serving others through choosing to major in nursing here at the University of Cincinnati and volunteering on service projects around campus. I am apart of the philanthropy committee of my sorority, this has allowed me to work on diverse projects for many different causes. I was able to help plan a spelling bee to raise money for the organization Reading is Fundamental. I have more recently helped organized an on campus Color Run for Cystic Fibrosis. These volunteer projects give me a feeling of what I'll be experiencing working in the hospital. The idea of helping others on a daily basis brings me so much excitement and joy. Simple acts of kindness are powerful and should be the fabric of our society. Being a seamstress of this ideology sets my heart on fire.
There is a thread in my life that keeps me whole and bound together tightly. Technology has connected our world so closely that borders no longer separate cultures or lives. I find myself most grounded when I step away from the electronic devices. Connecting with the people in my community and extending a helping hand is my salvation. The thread that keeps me whole is my belief that serving others is the only way to live.
My passion to serve others began before I can remember. I am the oldest of four girls, and helping my mom with my sisters was ingrained in me early. At a young age I discovered just what the true power and impact of serving others has on lives. It was a particular moment, a simple smile from a girl I had just met, that sparked the flame in my heart, burning with the passion for serving others.
So what?
In 7th grade, my CYO volleyball team hosted the first annual “Nick’s Knights” sporting event. We invited local schools with developmentally and physically challenged children to come to our school and learn to play volleyball and football with our teams. Each of my teammates was paired with a special needs child. I was partnered with a beautiful girl who had moderate autism, Sandra. I had specific drills set up to teach her particular volleyball skills. Sandra challenged herself with each drill, but was easily frustrated when she made a mistake; a smile was vacant from her face most of the morning. It wasn’t until all of the kids played a “real match” that afternoon, with a referee and a cheering crowd, that something changed inside of Sandra and in myself. During the match, the ball was passed to Sandra and with a look of complete determination she successfully passed it over the net. After she did this, she looked at me. Her face adorned with pure happiness and joy. Her jubilant smile and the faces of the players, parents, and the other participants I’ll never forget. This moment was simply magical.
I am thankful everyday for what Sandra gave me. I realized that the simplest of acts of kindness are the most rewarding. I have since then looked for simple ways to bring happiness to others in my community.
In my high school, in the spirit of appreciating simple acts, I decided to start my own club called, “Students for Seniors”. Growing up, my grandmother has been in an assisted living facility due to many disabilities. I found that sitting down with the residents and having a simple 10-minute conversation brought so many smiles and a world of gratitude. Subsequent visits inspired me to create a club where students volunteer at local nursing homes. We visit and offer company and conversation to the residents. Although very simple, the power of a small gesture like this is immeasurable.
Now what?
A simple sporting event, or a visit to a nursing home may not seem to be life altering, ask the athlete or the nursing home resident and they would say otherwise. I have continued my passion of serving others through choosing to major in nursing here at the University of Cincinnati and volunteering on service projects around campus. I am apart of the philanthropy committee of my sorority, this has allowed me to work on diverse projects for many different causes. I was able to help plan a spelling bee to raise money for the organization Reading is Fundamental. I have more recently helped organized an on campus Color Run for Cystic Fibrosis. These volunteer projects give me a feeling of what I'll be experiencing working in the hospital. The idea of helping others on a daily basis brings me so much excitement and joy. Simple acts of kindness are powerful and should be the fabric of our society. Being a seamstress of this ideology sets my heart on fire.