Choosing my Opportunity
I took this course because I wanted to get involved, to make an impact on our community. I thought that it would be easy to decide where I wanted to help, but I was wrong. The presentation of the various organizations we had to choose from demonstrated how many people need help throughout the twin cities. There are already so many great people helping, but it’s not enough. I realized that there are so many ways I can help so many people; its going to be so hard to pick just one.
To choose which group to help, I decided to pick the organization that closest matched my talents. I thought that working at the men’s shelter would be a very exciting job, and I would be helping 40+ men to have a place to stay, and my presence might help to give the men peace of mind. Then I realized that the thought of me alone with 40+ men would make me incredibly nervous and anxious, which wouldn’t calming for either party. So Simpson Housing Services was out of the running.
I also thought that Open Arms of Minnesota was a great organization. They served a population that rarely gets positive attention, and the organization really made a difference in the lives of its clients. I realized then, that I have no car or very many friends with cars, so delivery was not really an option for me. I’m no Rachel Ray, either, and doubt my cooking contributions would be widely appreciated, so I decided that most aspects of the Open Arms of Minnesota organization were not really for me.
Then I came upon the Children’s Hospital. Bingo. I love Disney movies, dress-up, dancing, arts and crafts, race cars, video games, board games, and stuffed animals. I spent every summer after elementary school watching neighbor kids. I am also very interested in the health field: I am a firm believer in science, and its effectiveness of healing illness , as well as the healing powers of love, and hope to contribute to the health community using them both someday.
I can’t wait to begin volunteering at the Children’s Hospital!!