"it's hard to beat the system, when we're standing at a distance "

With THON just around the corner, I thought I’d pick the mug that reflects the importance of community service. In the beginning of high school, I didn’t really understand the power of community service. Yes, I did volunteer through my school’s Key Club and Honor Society, but I’ll admit I was doing it for all the wrong reasons. I was only doing it for the requirements of the clubs. However, in senior year my motives changed. In my economics class we were presented with various service hours we can attend for extra credit and for the first time I found myself intrigued for a different reason. I attribute my inspiration to my economics teacher Mrs. Fritch. She is one of the most influential and motivational teachers I have ever had. She had a way of conveying the need for volunteers without sounding preachy. She genuinely enjoyed what she was doing and it came out in everything that she did. Her view of the world was incredible and she made me want to do more to help. The best part is that she truly made you believe you could make a difference as well. She organized majority of the service events at my high school and senior year I became more involved. The projects were not only rewarding but also so much fun. From a haunted house that benefitted Habitat for Humanity to a fashion show that benefited Breast Cancer, I was having a blast while giving back to my community. I participated in bake sales and attended walks but the one project that really clinched my love of service was my first Habitat Build. The fact that I actually helped build, not only a house, but also a home with my bare hands, was a feeling I could not describe. From then on, I knew I wanted to be involved as much as I could. We put up sheetrock that day but even after all the leveling and hammering and sawdust it was amazing to see that I had created that room.

I was so excited to go to a big school because I knew the opportunities the university would provide me to were endless. The second weekend into fall semester I signed up for FreshStart, which was one of the largest freshman service day. I was assigned to help out at a local thrift store. My group and I were asked to unload the storage room by sorting, tagging and hanging the clothes. When we first stepped into the storage room it was filled to the brim with donated clothes. I didn’t think we’d even be able to make a dent. At the end of the day, we had got a lot accomplished but I still felt as if there was so much to do but regardless the owner was moved to tears. It’s such a humbling experience to see a grown man cry over what I thought was only a little help. It really showed me how much he needed our help. To show his gratitude he told us to look around the thrift store and that he’d give us a 50% discount. As a symbol to remind me what the power of lending a hand can bring, I bought this mug. 

Service doesn’t have to go as grand scale as building a house, it could be as simple as helping a friend in need or even a smile. The smallest gesture can unite us in tough times. So as I make myself a cup of tea in this mug, I think of how excited I am for my first THON experience, knowing I have the opportunity to provide some hope! Afterall, it’s For The Kids!

 Cutting out the door frame for the closet!

Holding the sheet-rock in place for the wall. (I was too short to hammer)

My group in front of the Habitat House!