It’s not too surprising that my first summer volunteering at a special needs adult camp impacted how I saw the world. In fact, it would be surprising if I had continued to view the world exactly the same. However, the severity of my shift in perspective was something truly mind-boggling.
Back track to three years ago. My senior year of high school was coming to an end, and I wanted to soak up all the opportunities that I still had left, in a school that I held close to my heart. I attended a private Marist high school in Queens, New York with a special secret that generally only students were aware of. One word, six letters. Esopus. What to some may seem like a rural town in upstate New York, was like our own personal paradise. The Marist Brother's Center at Esopus is the name of a 120-acre property that, for more than 40 years, has hosted week-long summer camps to special groups of very special people. My high school used the space for weekend retreats during the school year, and the retreats were always everyone’s favorite weekend. Most students jumped at any chance to pack their bags and stay at Esopus for the weekend. I had always heard about volunteering at the summer camps, but I felt like I never had the time due to the fact that I was fully immersed in my after school job.
Volunteering has always been so natural to me; it was something that I did often as a child and missed fondly since elementary school. I decided to apply as a volunteer for a week-long camp known as, “Adult Vacation,” catering to the needs of adults with developmental, mental and physical disabilities. This particular week fascinated me because I wanted to spend my time working to make someone's yearly vacation fun and relaxing. I waited anxiously, and received an email congratulating me on my acceptance.
That week remains the most important week of my life to date. I truly feel like I saw the world through someone else’s eyes. From the very first moments on the two-hour bus ride upstate, I felt what I can now describe as personal growth. I was mystified at how these people, with so many reasons to complain, only smiled. I was proud by how far out of my way I would go to bring a smile to a camper, whether it was finding out what their favorite activity was, remembering little quirks about them or even just by understanding what they wanted despite what challenges I had to overcome. I learned the names of all of the campers quickly, and some still remember mine, year after year.
These “extraordinary” people were so independent and full of love, and it emotionally struck me from time to time to really see what a day in their life consists of. They had to work a lot harder in their daily routines, but no matter what, they always succeeded with a little help and a lot of courage. I began to focus on how many opportunities I had, instead of whining about the ones I didn’t.
I realized how important it was to be thankful for absolutely every single thing that I have. But most of all, I realized how great an impact one person can make in the world. I never believed in mantras that claimed I could change the world, but volunteering definitely changed my view on that too. I realized that if we all open our hearts and believe in the good in people, we could create something really special. The atmosphere at Esopus in the summer is nothing short of warm. Esopus becomes a temporary home each and every summer, in which we all learn to take responsibility and work hard, so that we can create special memories for these special people.
Volunteering isn’t about resume-lengthening, counting hours or trying to make yourself seem like a good person. Volunteering isn’t even about you. Volunteering is about them. The “them” refers to whoever’s life you happen to positively affect by doing something that is appreciated and out of love. I can’t help but feel guilty each and every summer for having just as much fun as they do from the enjoyment of a warm smile and a tight hug. Whether it’s a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a hospital, or even a toy drive, I promise you that if you open your eyes and your heart up to the world, the world will return the favor.
