The project that was unique and impacting to me was volunteering at the 2009 Learning Conference held by Support for Families of Children with Disabilities in San Francisco. This organization provides help and information to families of adolescences that have physical and mental impairments. I chose to work on this project because I enjoy working with children and it was time to experience something new like to help people that are less fortunate and be a helping hand. If possible educate others and learn more about disabilities in the community such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. I became aware of this event by because at the time I was the president of a school club named DAT Girls. The club was about informing others about impairments and disabilities, also to volunteer with our community. In this project I had to learn a lot in order to do my service successfully, I had to be willing to make some sacrifices, my time and energy in particular. I knew that would be difficult, but ultimately, I was able to do that. Through my activities, I developed the ability to connect with younger children especially children with disabilities. I feel that the children I worked with really enjoyed when I was with them and I think that is a direct reflection of being able to sacrifice myself to communicate with them.

      As far as my learning, I learned about myself as I saw how good it felt to do something for someone else. Just for the good of everyone, not for any other reason or seeking anything in return. I also think it helped me to learn how to work well with other people. Especially with the children, but I developed good relationships with my fellow co-workers and supervisors. It opened my eyes to working with different people who come from different backgrounds. I learned to not be closed in my own world but to expand and see the rest of my community. In addition, I learned that my community as a whole is a strong one helping one another, and I am proud not only to be a part of it, but to be an active member in the process of bettering my community. Furthermore, I hope to use my experiences through this community service activity to strengthen my connection with my community and I hope to be able to continue doing community service in the future especially with the less fortunate and people who struggle to be understood. The experiences with Support for Families of Children with Disabilities have prepared me for college and a career in the future. They have done so by treating me like an adult and given me task that are challenging but know I am able to handle.

      The need for my service was that there are a lot of kids out there who, for various reasons, sometimes need extra attention and care, and I thought that I could help in that area with my service learning project. I was able to make the contribution of providing that care to the children. I played with them outside, read to them and gave them the opportunity to enjoy being around a positive atmosphere. I clearly remember one of the children, named David, I can’t forget how he smiled and laughed, to me that was priceless. I can’t describe the joy I felt to see this boy smiling; little did I know he was older than I was until his father told me. David was the helper of the day because he gave me more help than I have had given him. That day I made a small difference in someone’s life. To me this was the best experience I’ve had doing community service. I am proud to say that I was part of this project especially that it was something that benefited others who are truly less fortunate. Lastly, I became aware of how fortunate and blessed I am. There are many people who don't have the necessities of life. This experience opened my eyes and made me see that some people struggle a lot to communicate and be understood. There are some people who don't have speech or movement to tell us what they feel or anything.

      My community service taught me many new things and to appreciate them too. Many people cannot help their situation because of how they were born and there not being a cure to their disabilities. I feel that community service is essential to a more constructive and effective life for children with disabilities, and I am a better person because of my community service. Serving one’s community is important because helping one another helps to make the community strong as one. Also, through community service you learn many things that you would have never thought to be learning and experiencing memories that you will hold on to because they are priceless like I have. In the future, I intend to continue volunteering with disabled individuals. I believe that community service and volunteering are very important. The best thing a person can give back is their time to their communities. I feel it’s everyone’s responsibility to help others in their community and beyond. I am, looking forward in continue working with this organization still because I really enjoyed being part of their annual Learning Conference.