The opportunity to give back is everywhere, all the time. I have been lucky enough to have the chance to serve others on both a local and global scale several times. Although giving back is intended to impact others, it can also have a large impact on you, if you give it a chance.
For starters, giving back can give you a story to tell. These aren’t like the stories of wild nights in college that you’ll tell your kids one day when you’re reminiscing. These are the stories you’ll tell your children when you’re explaining the most important lessons you’ve learned in life. You’ll tell the story of the man at the homeless shelter that had a smile you'll never forget, or the little girl speaking broken English that cried when you left. Whether it’s a funny story or a moving story, it’s guaranteed to be one that stays with you forever.
Giving back can give you a global perspective. When serving others on an international level, it’s nearly impossible to miss the unique qualities of another culture. My experiences led me to a small village in Central America, where I struggled to communicate in broken Spanish, and found that a strong bond does not require the exchange of words. Witnessing different cultures gives you an opportunity to see what else is out there. From the food others eat, to their religious practices, to the way their government is run, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the vast differences within cultures. While learning about others and the way they live, you gain a better understanding of yourself and your own life.
Giving back can give you a new appreciation for what you have. I’ve witnessed children become ecstatic at the site of beaten-up shoes, while I catch myself getting upset that Yeezy’s are so hard to get my hands on. Giving back makes you realize that there is so much more to life than material goods. I’ve been lucky enough to always live with a roof over my head, food on the table and a family that loves me. At the end of the day, nothing else really matters.
Finally, giving back can give you a purpose. There is nothing more rewarding than bringing joy to another person, especially one in need. Receiving a smile of satisfaction from someone you have impacted is the best feeling in the world. It is so rewarding to feel you’ve changed lives, and that yours, too, has been changed because of your efforts. Through all of my endeavors in serving others, the impact I’ve had on their lives is nothing compared to the impact that they’ve left on mine.
So, go. Give back. Start small, and then go further; there is so much to gain. And when you do so, immerse yourself, if not for the sake of those in which you are serving, then for yourself. Like Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
