It's such an honor to be invited to receive this award. You know this all started when I was in the 3rd grade, when I realized that some children were born into situations that were different from mine. I started talking to my mom then eventually I takes to one of her friends Mrs. Maggie Fainer-Towne, a volunteer at MHS, and I instantly fell in love with this organization and what they were doing to give back to the community. Then when I went on the tour of the Hacienda I saw a need for these children to have a safe place to play. I started talking to Laura Whitehouse, my mentor, and I told her that I wanted to do something about this. During this entire process she was always the one that was there for me. She was the one who believed in me from the beginning. Because of her belief in me I began to believe in myself. Giving back is just something that I want to do with my life. A wise man once said, "If everyone who sees a problem expects someone else will take care of it, then nothing gets done."
Whenever I meet new people and share what I have done with this project, they always ask "Why are you doing this?" The first time someone asked me this, I was speechless. I had no words. It took me weeks to realize the answer. It was so simple. I figured out that it's all about the kids. These children have been put into situations that they didn't do anything to deserve. When I'm having a down day I look at pictures like this and instantly I remember why I'm doing this.
When I was thinking about the answer to this question I kept asking myself "Why are you doing this?... why are you doing this?... why are you doing this?" Immediately I thought, why not. I might have only been 15 at the time and my only source of income is from babysitting jobs, but by all means I have the heart and the voice to do this and I am going to give everything that I can to help out. So even if you think that you have nothing to give.. let me tell you... you're wrong. Give what you have. My dad gave his wonderful landscaping techniques. My mom gave her legal advice when writing out information for the press release for the Ribbon Cutting. Just remember, you may not be someone to the world, but you can be the world to someone. And think about it. If everyone says someone else will do it, then eventually nothing gets done. |