It was the night before my election. I was running for Sophomore Vice President.
I had prepared a performance for the election—a funny boxing match. The fight had popular moves as seen in Dodge Ball, Iron Man, and Super Smash Brothers. In the end, I would perform my famous move, the Power-Punch from Hot Rod.
My friend Cheyenne and I rehearsed(排练) the fight for hours, but the fight would not be a fight without music and sound effects. This was where my brother came in. He stayed up all night to work on that soundtrack. And when my computer's disk burner(刻录机) went out at 6 in the morning, he spent a college student's week's worth of incomes to replace it.
Why would he go into all that trouble? Because he knew that out of all the other important things he could be doing, this was imperative to me. He knew because it was once important to him. Having graduated from Layton High just a year earlier, he knew what it was like to be in the centre of people's attention. He knew how fun high school could be, and he wanted me to have a great experience.
I ended up losing the election, but that day changed my world forever. The lesson my brother taught me became my most important belief. But it wasn't until I had a similar opportunity that I really understood why he cared so much. What did it take for me to understand? It was the performance. The rest of the cast and I would rehearse every day after school for 6 months all for what? The chance to perform a play eight times. As I came out on that stage for the first time and listened to the laughter, I was filled with joy. By the end of the play, the audience broke into tears, and so did we. What happened? We had the sweet opportunity of giving them an unforgettable theatre moment—a moment to laugh, reflect, and shed tears.
Volunteering is a great way to further a cause and make a difference in your community. If you'd like to give something besides money, consider lending your time and talents to organisations that are important to you. It is an opportunity to serve.
Consider why you want to volunteer. Do you want to help the world or your community? Do you love what you do? Do you want to share your gifts with others or give something back? Examining these sorts of questions can help you to choose the right direction for your volunteer work.
If you feel strongly about literacy(识字), for instance, volunteer at your local library or find out if there is an organisation of volunteer tutors in your area. There are organisations doing all sorts of work. It is especially important with volunteer work that you choose something that you value.
Start small. If you already have a busy schedule, volunteer your time for an hour or two per week or perhaps one day per month. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish in even a little bit of time.
Ask plenty of questions and do your research, but until you sign up and get your feet wet, you won't know if volunteering for a particular organisation is really right for you.
A. Get started.
B. Choose an organisation that is meaningful to you.
C. Look for an organisation or activity in your area or community.
D. Do you want to build your own skills, make new friends, and learn?
E. It can also be an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.
F. Of course, you can develop new skills and learn many things by volunteering.
G. Then, if you find you enjoy the work and have more time to pursue it, gradually take on more.
Today we spent the morning going through our personal belongings. We were looking for items to 1 for free at a local park. Not just any items but things people really2. Our aim was not to find things we no longer wanted but things we used every day that would be3to others.
We packed these things4the box and added some small toys. We added a list of local addresses and phone numbers of local5agencies. Inside the box a simple letter was placed. It6:"Please take these items and know that your life is important. Times are difficult but these days will pass. We share what we have believing that it will 7. Use the food to nurture your body and use the blankets to stay warm. Be safe and know that the human8can overcome anything. Do not hold your head9for having a need to stay warm. Some day please do the same when you can. "
This kind act was not because the phone rang or for any reason. It was10because it was the right to do. We have often seen homeless people at the park where we left the belongings. I 11 that my wife had put her favourite green coat into the box. I asked if she was 12about it and she just replied that it had a hood(兜帽). Her answer told me why it is I who love her. She liked the coat but knew the hood could13someone from the rain.
Who knows where these gifts of 14will go? How many uses can a blanket serve15what it was designed to do? We never go back and see what happens. It is unimportant. The right things will find the right people and that is all that counts.
