Some people volunteer because they want to make the world a better place. Some people volunteer to make a difference. Some people volunteer because they want to be a better person. Some people volunteer because they need so many hours for their major. There are countless reasons people volunteer each day. I volunteer because I found a passion in Special Olympics.
To be honest, I first volunteered because I needed some hours for my major and Special Olympics seemed like a fun way to do that, but after the first week that all changed. After the first volleyball practice with all the athletes, I found a passion to keep going each week. It was not about the hours, but about the athletes. It is about seeing their smiling faces each week. It is about watching them grow not only as athletes, but also as people. It is about seeing the motivation and dedication to coming to practice each week. It is about seeing how each person cares so deeply about one another.
Volunteering has brought more to than I ever would have imagined. Making a difference in peoples’ lives is something I always want to do, and with Special Olympics I am not only making a difference in theirs, but they also are making a difference in mine. Special Olympics brought me friends, athletes and partners, that I can share memories with for the rest of my life. Volunteering has taught me lessons for my life and also about myself. The athletes are the most competitive and humble people I have ever met in my entire life. Win or lose, they are always looking out for one another and cheering each other on. It is never about themselves, but about the team as a whole. They are the most positive, fun spirited, kind hearted people that can change any day, bad or good, into a brighter one. They remind me each day that life is never as drastic as we make it out to be. That every obstacle that comes our way, we are able to conquer it and be ready for the next one.
I wish I would have found this passion to volunteer sooner, but I am so fortunate I eventually did. I am so thankful each day for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization with the most amazing people. I would not change taking time out of my day for anything.
