Giving back. An action that can be so overlooked. Many people don't realize all the good they can do for the world around them.

As a young child, volunteering was something I always had a great interest in doing. Not knowing how I could give back to my local community, I had the help of my loved ones around me. They took my hand and guided me into the direction I was looking for.

Taking it upon yourself to give back isn't easy for many to do. Wanting to be selfless takes willpower, strength and an immense amount of love for a cause. I do believe that forgetting about yourself in the moment is fully worth it.

Children will have a spot in my heart, always and forever. Before coming to college, I was able to interact with a vast amount of families located all around the world. These experiences changed me as a person.

As I started my four years at the University of Central Florida, I was worried as to how I could continue to pursue my selflessness for children. Little did I know, becoming involved in the universities' largest philanthropy event, Knight-Thon was just the start.

With Knight-Thon underway, fundraising for the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is something that is always on my mind. Now with the holidays approaching, there is no better time to ask for donations for the kids.

Receiving a gift or many gifts is what make these holidays so exciting for the children. Now being older, the spirit, joy and excitement of receiving a present on the morning of Christmas or on a night of Chanukah is something we wait or may not wait for.

For myself, as I began to grow older, not knowing what I wished for during the holidays became the common trend. In my family, the question always asked was, "What would I like for the holidays?" I started to not care for the gifts. Being with my family in the same room, at the same time, was the best wish I could ever ask for.

My reasoning behind not asking for gifts was not just because I didn't want anything, it was also because I didn't need anything.

Seeing these kids who suffer every day of their lives was enough for me to give up my holiday treats and support the ones who need it the most. The Children's Miracle Network Hospitals do the world for their patients. With that being said, the least I can do is reply to the common question, "What would you love for the holidays?" by saying "a donation for the kids."

This organization has truly put such a positive impact on my life that I urge you to go find something that you can put your heart into 100%, just like I did. Be selfless, and I promise, it will be the best way you can give back.