Tonight I did something I’m very proud of. I attended my mandatory orientation for New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer organization. Since I’m new to the city and trying to meet new friends, I figured there was no better place to start than by joining like-minded individuals in bettering my new community. I love everything about this city, so why not help its people and its places. The orientation was quick and to the point. The team leaders highlighted all of the potential projects and talked about their personal experiences. I’m so excited to start reading to underprivileged children, feeding the hungry, talking to the elderly and planting trees in the parks.
I’ve had this urge to volunteer for quite sometime now. I think a small part of me just wants to get out of the apartment on weekends and meet new faces, but a larger part honestly knows how fortunate my life has been. I have a loving family that gave me the tools to succeed. I have great friends, a college degree, a job, and an apartment. I have food in my pantry, clothes in my closet, an i-pod sitting next to me, and I’m typing on a Mac laptop. I’ve never wanted for anything, really. Sure, I still can’t afford designer shoes, but there are people living on the streets that have no shoes at all, or coats, or a change of clothes or food to get them through the night. It’s heartbreaking. And I’ve seen a lot of it this winter.
The other day, the news reported a story about a 35-year old Irish homeless woman named Grace who died in her sleep while sleeping on the streets. She had come to NYC 18 years before to study art. She never succeeded and four days ago, she was found dead. Stories like these break my heart. This, along with so many other tragic events, has pushed me to do all I can do for this community. No one should ever have to sleep on cardboard in a church alcove. Children should know how to read and write and all should be able to attend college if they wish to do so. If I am able to help one life, one child, one homeless man, one grandma in a walker, and make their day a little brighter, that is all the reward that I will need. Join me in the volunteer effort! We can change the world - It just takes a little work.
Spotted: Your humble blogger at Macy’s buying a new shirt to wear on my first “Okcupid” date tomorrow night. Wish me luck! (Hopefully I don’t really need it ☺)
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