Saint Basil once said “A tree is known by its fruit; a man
by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship,
and he who plants kindness gathers love.” I chose to use this quote because It
really stood out to me, I couldn’t agree more with this quote. To me this means
you are who you become, you reap what you sow. This has to do connecting with
the work I did with the veterans because I believe in doing things not because
you have to but because you want to and the universe will reward you with even
better karma. It takes no time to help people that really need it out. I think
of it this way, If I was in that position I sure would want somebody to help me
out, so me being blessed that I am not in that position find it good to help
out.
At Veterans Village I happened to
pass out their drinks as well as greet them and stand outside letting them know
their is food ready for them to come dive in, I even helped some of them bring
with their food if they couldn't carry it. While I was outside which is where I
started me and my teammates were letting the residents know that the food is
ready and being served in the dining room. We had our basketballs with us due
to us having to carry them everywhere, so if you ask me I believe us dribbling
them and playing around outside attracted them as well because a couple of them
asked us if we played for TCC and then started reminiscing about how they used
to play basketball and how they follow TCC sports back in the day. We engaged
in their conversations, they lit up when we told them how we won a national
championship last season ! They got to
talking about every sport they played and watch and it was just some really
good conversation while walking them up to the dining room where the food was.
This helped me use my core values
and skills in a very meaningful way. It also made me realize that what we do
here at Tallahassee Community College means and inspires a lot of people. I am
usually not a talkative person but I felt like this was a good time to step up
and talk to people because sometimes peoples day are not going good and one
good conversation could make their day instantly. And I feel like if I can make
a couple people smile my dity for the day will be done. There's nothing like
saying thank you to a vet and then seeing their face light up when you ask them
questions about their experience. It is like they are just waiting for somebody
they are able to tell their stories to.
Even if it is just small talk or a mini conversation if you listen to
them while their talking you will hear how excited they are to be sharing these
moments, even if it is about them losing their leg. This experience just made
me appreciate a lot as well as think a lot.
I think others should contribute to
this because it is really a good thing to do, It will really make you feel like
you are making a big impact of people. There is nothing like making somebody's
day by serving them free food, drinks and listening ears ! Even if you are
doing much but handing out drinks or serving their food it is still a happy
environment. Of course some of them look mean but you just need to break the
ice a little bit and you will see that that is what they were waiting for all
alone. Nothing like a good meal and conversation. They think they need to
explain a couple things to us but that is okay just listen, smile and hand them
their drink and their day will be made. It is more than extra credit, it makes
your soul feel good helping others out.