A Week To Give Back
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Week To Give Back

The little things matter.

8
A Week To Give Back

You hear the stories on the news of tragedy and devastation but never does the thought cross your mind that you can do something. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey. It left thousands without electricity, power, and heat but most importantly it left thousands without a home. Many didn't have family that wasn't affected by the storm too so it became a struggle to survive. Now, 5 years later, and many are still in this situation.

This past week was an eye-opening experience for me. At first, I thought it was going to be a new experience to paint walls and fix a ceiling or two, never did I think this week was going to change my life. I spent the week not only helping build houses but also helping people put their lives back together. As a group, we molded, and painted, and did some lawn work, but once the simple jobs were done the families were eternally grateful.

We stood there after a long day of work, exhausted, and watched as husbands and wives held on to each other and told their stories. They cried as they remember the day of the storm, and how this natural disaster destroyed their homes. And that's when I realized the huge difference this one week made. The work to put these homes back together was hard, but it was nothing compared to what these families were going through.

So by the end of the week, I wanted to cry every morning waking up at 6 a.m, and I was starving by lunch time, but it was all worth it. To me, at first this was just a week off from work, but to those impacted, and to those homeowners this was a new beginning, and I'm so grateful I was able to kickstart their new life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48689
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30964
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954796
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

179772
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments