Service and Greatness part 2

Last Thursday was my final scheduled date of volunteering at St. Margaret of Scotland, and I have to say I’m a bit heartbroken that I have to leave those lighthearted kids.  In the time spent with them, I discovered many aspects of greatness, but a select few stood out to me.

I’m sure that at one point or another we have all heard the saying, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” My experience at St. Margaret proved this saying to be completely accurate. By tutoring the children, they developed a sort of dependability on me. I was the one to help them solve that complex math problem or pronounce that difficult word, not their classmate or teacher- but me. This showed me that greatness comes not only with a sense of responsibility, but also selflessness. A great person needs to recognize how important and influential they are in others’ eyes and then devote themselves wholeheartedly into setting an example for others to follow. The kids at St. Margaret were absolutely fascinated by us “high school” kids; they wanted to know where we went to school, how old we were, what sports they played, what music we liked, what subjects we liked, etc. I could tell they truly looked up to us and we were role models to them. I felt it was my obligation and responsibility to be a good role model to them in every way possible because everything I did influenced them in some sort of way.

I also recognized that a great person needs to be selfless. Yes, there were days I was crunched for time due to overflowing homework and a long soccer practice, but I made time for the kids. I always made time for them because they depended on me, and I was not going to let them down. If that meant sacrificing twitter time, or refraining from watching the next episode of Gossip Girl-then so be it. A great person needs to be able to put aside their own wants and needs, for the needs of others and the common good. Every time I left, a few kids would look at me with sad little puppy eyes and ask if I’d be back. This always left me with such a rewarding feeling-a feeling of value, of purpose. It felt so good knowing that someone depended on me and I was genuinely happy that I could make a person feel that way.

My experience perfectly exhibits that even the littlest actions can make a significant impact. This experience left me with a desire to do more, to continue to help my community. Because being great is not a one and done thing. Being great is not doing one colossal deed then sinking back into normal life. Being great is consistently seeking to push yourself- bettering yourself and those around you. Being great is never resting on your laurels. Being great, is simply, being a better you. You don’t need to be great to millions; you only need to be great to a few because I guarantee that your actions will continually affect more people than you think. Being great doesn’t have to be large scale, as long as it betters someone or something. There are countless ways to bring greatness into your ordinary lives, and change them into extraordinary lives. Stop making excuses. Stop waiting. Make it happen. How will you be great today?

Civil Disobedience and The Nobel Peace Prize

Between the deadly Ebola virus and the controversy in the Middle East, the world finally received some uplifting news Friday morning, when the Nobel Peace Prize winners were announced. Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi are this year’s honorees, and ironically, they are from rival countries-Pakistan and India. The two activists serve as a beacon of hope in today’s corrupt society and prove that one person truly can make a difference.

Dashiell Bennett, of The Atlantic, commends the two on their impressive achievements in his recent articlePakistan and India Share the Nobel Peace Prize . Satyarthi, founder of the Global March Against Child Labor, consistently works to rescue children from forced labor and ensures that they receive an education. Yousafzai, miraculous survivor of an attempted assassination by the Taliban, serves as an international spokesperson for childhood education and contender of Islamic extremism. The two were honored because of “their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education."

The two can be called heroes, role models, and idols; however, they can also be rebels. But why are they not seen under this negative connotation? Well, it’s just as Henry David Thoreau puts it from his article "Civil Disobedience", “Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.” The two were fighting against injustice in their countries, and even though they may have resisted their governments, their actions were recognized by many as befitting. In the eyes of Thoreau and Emerson, the two are considered nonconformists, or rebels. Thoreau believes in fighting against unjust laws enforced by corrupt governments and that’s exactly what the two did. And look how much of an impact they made on the world! The two had the courage to take a stand against popular belief, like Emerson calls us to do, and the effects are truly great.

Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi justify the nonconformist claims of Emerson and Thoreau. They function as examples to us all to follow our own beliefs. But more importantly they show us that one’s “unpopular” belief may be shared by many more. There just has to be one person to stand up first. Will you be that person?

Service and Greatness

For my service project, I chose to help out at St. Margaret of Scotland. I have always loved kids and being around them because they bring a fresh energy and playful attitude to life. Therefore, I knew this experience would not only fulfill the requirement, but also be enjoyable.

When I first pulled up to the school I felt a little nervous and somewhat overwhelmed. I met the principal and he introduced us to a lady who ran the after school programs. Immediately she put us to work passing out snacks, helping with homework, and occupying the children. Honestly, I was a little shy at first and yes, I was even worried if the children would like me or not. However, I quickly learned how welcoming all the people there were and realized an important aspect of greatness-confidence. Great people don't let fear hold them back from intimidating situations, but rather they remain calm and assertive in times of chaos. In doing so, people are drawn to their bold presence.

I was assigned to help the children in first and second grade with homework. I hoped that I would be able to help them understand and teach them effectively. Well I must have been doing good because before long I found myself sitting amongst them sharing a cookie with a boy I helped with spelling. It was such a warming feeling seeing their little eyes light up when they finally understood a math problem or they finally pronounced that difficult word after stumbling over it or they finally spelled all of there spelling words right. It was a great feeling to know that I contributed to their success, that I was able to help them and make them feel so good about themselves. It showed me that greatness does not have to be achieved on large scale levels. Even little things can be considered great as long as they help a person in some way.

After they all finished their homework, we were able to play games and just converse with them. Talking with them I learned about their hobbies, their favorite movies, and even expanded my knowledge about The Ninja Turtles. Talking with them was the best part because they are so honest and frank. They always speak their mind and don't care what other people think. This reminded me of the Emerson reading from class about being a nonconformist. The children have not experienced the judgment of society yet and therefore do not fear consistency like we do. It was inspiring to see how someone so small could be so independent and confident.

Before leaving, I received numerous hugs and "Don't go's" or "Please stay's". It was a good feeling to know that in such a short time I made an impact on their lives, no matter how small that impact was. I can't wait to return next week and experience that happiness again.