I felt privileged to talk with these individuals, as well as happy to show them that someone cared through my presence.
My time in Brazil was brief, but it solidified my determination to always make volunteerism an integral part of my life. I consider it a religious and human duty. The power of charity is an important part of my personal system of belief. Ever since my freshman year of college, when I acted as a retreat leader, I have always understood that it is necessary to view one's life in a larger context. Yes, I may become obsessed with day-to-day troubles. But being part of a community of faith has sustained me through many difficult times. Seeing my faith manifested in another culture solidified my belief that faith can unite and ground the human spirit. This idea, which has buoyed me through high school, was truly put to the test when I met people...
Through my other community service efforts, which include working with veterans, the elderly, and with children, I have discovered that the most important aspect of volunteerism is to recognize that the act of charity is a mutual exchange. Both individuals, the giver and the recipient, gain from the experience. And I recognize that I will never know when I might need charity, so I must do my best to give it, when I have an abundance of youth, energy, and resources. I have heard it said that those to whom much is given, much is expected, and I have tried to live that principle of service day by day.
