Day To Serve Reflection

During my time at the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, I experienced a different setting in which I was given a great amount of independence and responsibility. I helped manage Day to Serve, an annual initiative, that our office coordinates on behalf of the Governor of Maryland. I worked with two other interns and we were given almost complete autonomy in overseeing this huge program. I connected with many community leaders and nonprofit, business executives to network Day to Serve with organizations across Maryland such as non-profits, faith institutions, corporations, and the Maryland public school system. We planned and hosted events in relation to Day to Serve such as press conferences, webinars, and service events. I also had …show more content…
The leadership positions and volunteer services gave me the strength, determination, compassion, and empathy to truly benefit someone else’s life, no matter if it’s one or a thousand. When I volunteered at the Cold Weather Shelter, I had the opportunity to connect with those who were less fortunate. I saw the goodness and potential in so many people, especially the children. Since I was usually the only teenager that was there regularly, the kids naturally gravitated towards me. Seeing their smiles when I made a joke or seeing them excited when we put the food out or seeing them in anticipation, bouncing on their toes when I brought games from my house to play with, filled me with such satisfaction and contentment. The knowledge that a particular moment in which I contributed to their happiness can unknowingly affect the course of their life, was inspiring. The realization that a piece of advice, a pat on the back, a tip on their homework, a hug for a greeting, and a smile on my face can create an impact on someone’s life directly or indirectly encouraged me to pursue public service. If small gestures can create a perceptible change, I can only imagine my capability when given the opportunity to help on a more profound and far-reaching