I started to fall in love with helping others in 7th grade when I had to volunteer somewhere for a school project (I had to write a journal of what it felt like and my experience). My school didn't give many options for 13-year-olds, so I ended up volunteering at a school for autistic kids once a week (for 3 hours).
I worked with a couple of my friends with the first graders, which was really hard. They were hard to communicate with. None of us liked it too much, but we didn't really have an option.
But I did like the idea of helping people who can't help themselves. When I told people about what I do they were proud of me and it made me feel good.
In 8th grade, I had more options of where I wanted to volunteer at, and I chose a home for abused families. A few of my friends (different ones, who I wasn't as close with) went with me on Fridays. This was no longer for a grade, although it would be mentioned on our report cards.
I really liked the place. The kids were really nice and I played with them. We'd jump on their trampoline until it broke (literally, that happened), filled in colouring pages when it was yucky (cold) outside, played hide and seek and even had water fights a few times. It was really fun.
I love that place, what they do and the people there. Unfortunately, I don't go there anymore since I flew to America this summer, and I never arranged to start going again, which is a shame.
This year, I'm not exactly volunteering. I'm taking a course by The Red Flag (MADA - Israel's main ambulance service) so I can volunteer with them starting next year. The course is on Sundays from 5-9PM and there's A LOT of learning done. I won't lie, it's hard, but I think the things I'm learning and will be very useful for my future.
Since I live in Israel, I will have to go to the army when I'm 18, and this MADA experience is going to help me become a paramedic/first aid person in the army. I've always said that I want to do something that makes a difference in the army, but I don't want to be out with a gun people trying to kill / kidnap me. I love my country, but there's a limit.
Throughout this whole experience, I've also been passively volunteering with Jeremy's Circle (which I will write a blog post about) but it's my moms organisation, but basically we help family's who have Cancer in the family be who they are (mostly let kids be kids). At Jeremy's Circle, I mostly play / talk to other kids and brighten up their days. I also hand out our T-Shirts, chocolate milk and lunch.
In conclusion, I think it's easy to say I like helping others, even if it's just a bit. If you currently need help with any mental issues or just having a bad time I recommend you check out this post or this Pinterest board.
What do you do to make others feel better? Do you volunteer anywhere?
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