Senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go to Charlotte North Carolina for Catholic Heart Work Camp. I always heard from my classmates that it is a life changing experience. Upon arrival, I met several new people that I would work with for the next week. Each group had different locations in which they worked, but each group would change a life. Our group was sent to a small subdivision where we met Veronica.

Veronica had various projects at her house that needed to be completed. Several rooms needed fresh paint, one of the bathrooms needed to be redone and a new ceiling fan was added to the kitchen. Throughout the week, we learned more about Veronica and how she worked as a nurse. Each day, she made sure we knew how much our work meant to her. She was amazed as each work day ended how much we were able to accomplish. Our group really worked together well and we were extremely proud of the work we did.

At the end of the week, it was hard to say goodbye to Veronica and my group members that became friends. I took away from the experience the desire to serve others and I saw God working through us to help a woman that has spent her life helping people and holding their hands through trying times in their lives. It was rewarding to be able to give back to someone that has touched the lives of so many. Veronica was a very grateful and faithful person and I could see the joy in her eyes as she looked over all of the projects we completed.

One of the last nights, all of the people the groups helped were invited to the school in Charlotte, where we were staying to share what our work meant to them. I felt such a wonderful feeling in my heart after hearing each person share their stories and how much we’ve changed their lives. I think it is amazing because we impacted their lives just as much as they impacted ours. I will carry this experience with me and I am so glad that I decided to take this journey.