Change

"Change. The desire to see change in my life and in the world around me. I think that the element of change is what inspires hope. And love might be what inspires change: Gods love for us and our love for those around us. Things have to change our world is in desperate need." -Jon Foreman, from Switchfoot


I could not have said it any better myself. What I want to see in the world is change, a change for the better. I am constantly saying to myself 'I really want to make a difference.' I want to be able to change a child's life or another adults life. This past semester at school I mentored for a 5th grade boy and also volunteered at a local children's museum. I enjoyed doing each of them, but loved mentoring. The connection I made with that child will forever be a part of me. Granted, it wasn't easy at first, but I remember the day he completely trusted in me, the look on his face, the tone of his voice. But I think the greatest thing I learned was how much he changed me and perspective on life. It is amazing how one child can do that, or one person. I hope to continue mentoring when the school year starts again.

Another thing I am interested in being a part of is the American Cancer Society. I keep saying to myself I want to find a way to find a cure for cancer, but lets me honest, I'm not planning on going into any scientific lab and figuring that out, but I will help raise money so that someone else can. I can't think of any person in this world who hasn't known someone who has cancer and I for sure wouldn't want to just stand by as my loved ones fall ill to the disease.

I also have been looking into doing some volunteering at the local hospital here in the children's section. I'm not exactly sure what I will be allowed to do and it may seem daunting at first. Why would anyone want to surround themselves with a sick person? I guess the real question is it that child's fault they are sick and in the hospital to begin with? I think at times it will be hard and I'm sure I'll come home and be sad because I know that child isn't going to get better, but I want to believe that I would have made some impact on them, better yet, that they left an impact on me!

And finally, if time and school allows for me to do this, I would love to volunteer at a nursing home. Nursing homes have always creeped me out and the smell of old people gets to me. But thinking of how my grandparents are getting older and ailing and are pretty much alone now, how sad it must be for them. I would imagine in most nursing homes the old people feel sad and down and that doesn't really make living there much fun. I have to do some research on this yet and I'd for sure love to play them some tunes on the piano and play a few games of bingo!

These are all things that I want to be able to do to change me as a person, or better me and to change the world around me. I may never be recognized for what I'm doing, but I know how I will feel when I've done it!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."