community service

It is often said that a person’s high school years are some of the most important and critical periods in their life.During this period, individuals begin to discover their hobbies, interests, and things that are meaningful to them. Although the teen years are often overlooked as tumultuous and full of difficulties, I think it is important to note that these critical stages can be a life shaping experience not only for the individuals but also others around them. One of the many achievements I have accomplished while in high school is lending a hand to my community. Volunteering at my local hospice has not only provided me with essential skills that will be valuable in the future, it has also given me a better understanding of what career path I wish to undertake in regards to medicine.
Growing up in Nigeria, I have always been a person who had their whole life planned out. I knew what I wanted in life and how to get there but unfortunately, my parents had other plans. In the Igbo tribe, we had certain traditions where parents often determined the career paths for their children. They derived this concept as a result of people who followed similar paths and equally succeeded. In life, they seeked power, wealth and recognition; achievements acquired by their children’s hard work. By their measurements and standards, the only way of reaching such goal was by becoming a banker. Every parent dreamt of having a banker in the family and my dad was no exception. From a very young age, he made it a mission to pass his desired aspirations to his children but unfortunately, I refused to accept that burden. After months of pestering me, he rested.
During December 2005, my dad fell sick. The audacious and strong man I once knew slow...

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...continue my journey because of certain circumstances, I am relieved that I preserved despite all odds. In essence, I now know that volunteering at hospice enabled me to do my part and help others. Even if it is not major, just the ability to brighten the day of a lonely patient by making them holiday cards or speaking to their family members gave me much needed joy and fulfillment. Because of my involvement at Heartland Hospice, I have come to include community service as a necessary part of my life. Over a period of time, I have learned that volunteering isn’t just about clocking in hours but rather an obligation to do my best to help others and contribute to society in any way I can. I also feel that my love and compassion for people are strengths especially applicable to service, and that volunteering my time is the best way I can satisfy this calling.