For The Kids. A simple three-word phrase. But for me, this simple phrase has become a life motto for me, and something that will stay with me for as long as I live.
From a young age, I was taught that the best way to be a part of society is to give back in whatever way I can to whoever or whatever is around me. I was the Vice President of the major community service organization at my high school, and I've logged hundreds of community service hours throughout my life. When I came to college, I knew that if nothing else, I wanted to join some sort of community service-based organization. My problem: I could not find the right one. So many groups to choose from, but none of them seemed like the right fit for me. I wanted a group where I could balance having fun with giving back to my community. I soon found friends that were in the same boat that I was in. So, we did what every sensible group of college students would do: we started our own group.
My friend started looking and found a organization that we all thought could be fun, Dance Marathon. A partner with the Children's Miracle Network, we found out that hundreds of schools across the country put on dance marathons, donate their time, and raise money all year to donate to the kids. The thought of being able to give back to the kids that need it was something that we all agreed we could get behind. And though it has been stressful and more than I ever expected it to be, joining the Dance Marathon community was hands down the best decision I've ever made.
We are now in the process of planning our second annual Dance Marathon for the kids at the Phoenix Children's Hospital coming up at the end of the month. It has been wilder and crazier than I ever would have thought, and simultaneously one of the most gratifying things I've ever done. Seeing the looks on the kids' faces during the event is something that is irreplaceable. And going through all of the stress of planning the event and fundraising all year makes all of it worth it.
Going into college, I knew that I not only wanted to get an education, but I wanted to be able to give back however I felt the best. What I have found is that though I think that giving back is important, I live in a decade when most people my age don't agree with me. Unfortunately, our generation overall seems to be more self-centered, which I simply cannot understand. I think that one of the most important things that we as millennials can do is give back not only to those that came before us, but our future generations. Because the only way that we can make a positive impact on our world is if we stop thinking more about ourselves, and start thinking about the world around us.
For The Kids. Simple in thought, complex in nature, and something that I will always live by.
