A week ago I found myself in a conversation that left me with a negative perception about the state of humanity. We found ourselves discussing some of the recent tragedies that have left communities scarred: the Bombings in Boston and shootings at the Colorado Dark Knight premiere and Sandy Hook Elementary. All I could think to myself was, in a world so corrupt, how is it even possible to be optimistic about the virtues of people?
So for the next semester, I am determined to show people that there is kindness out there. I want to honor all the innocent victims and to prove to myself that kindness can exist in our chaotic world.
Volunteering helps us take a step back and realize those problems we spend hours complaining about are trivial in size to issues other people in this world are left alone to face.
This week, I began volunteering at Baby Gator. Baby Gator is a childcare center for children ranging from six weeks to 6 years old. The facility provides teachers, volunteers and staff all determined to help these children learn and grow in a positive environment. There are currently three different locations including Lake Alice, Newell Drive and PK Yonge School.
This semester I chose to work in the Little Gator Classroom with kids from 10 to 30 months old. When I walked into the daycare this week I had a million things on my mind: exams, work, the usual life drama. I felt as though I had a million problems and no cure for even one of them. It didn’t even take me an hour of working with these kids before a huge smile spread across my face. No matter what your problems are, hearing the innocence behind a child’s laugh is enough to make you realize life may not really be all that bad.
So maybe volunteering isn’t just about giving back? Maybe it helps you make improvements within yourself too.
