Realization through rigmarole

Volunteering, a word that made me grimace when the thought of extending my already exhausting day any farther presented itself. Walking over to Timber Lakes Elementary school during the scorching Florida heat did not put me in the best of moods. However, I dragged my feet and walked into Ms. Nelson’s classroom as I have almost every day for the past year, not knowing today would be any different.

 As I lethargically strolled in, my attention was immediately drawn to Kassandra, whose tiny brown eyes were swollen with tears. Ms. Nelson proceeded to explain that the students who passed their multiplication test would be rewarded. Needless to say, Kassandra did not have her multiplication table memorized and did poorly on her test. As part of my position, Ms. Nelson asked me to tutor Kassandra, which I was more than willing to do. After explaining it the first time, second time, even what felt like the hundredth time, she still did not master the material but that did not stop me from repeating the practice over and over. One more reappearance and finally a moment of realization occurred for Kassandra. Her once swollen brown eyes now gleamed with excitement and her contagious smile turned my poor mood around. The thought of my awful day was completely replaced with the excitement I felt for Kassandra. When I left the classroom that day, I was enlightened by the experience I had. This young girl permanently adjusted my view of service as well as reminding me of the qualities I am to fulfill each day, with what seemed like such a simple multiplication task. Prior, I felt my service was great because I wholeheartedly enjoy helping Ms. Nelson, but directly affecting Kassandra’s academic success made the true meaning of service clear to me.

The next day, I walked over to Timber Lakes Elementary School just as I did the day before, but now with a vastly different attitude. I no longer thought about myself, and how I selfishly felt, but rather how Ms. Nelson, Kassandra, or other students will feel when I finish volunteering. My volunteering experience has exposed me to an array of avenues including dedication, consistency, and the importance of service to others that resonate with me daily.

 I am unquestionably grateful for the opportunity to volunteer in Ms. Nelson’s class because it has revealed qualities in myself that I have, which I would not have been able to utilize effectively otherwise. This volunteer experience has driven my desire to volunteer as frequently as possible, which I intend on pursuing in college.