The Importance of Giving Back

Many services function solely on the work of volunteers. Without volunteers, food banks, free clinics, and some community events would not be readily accessible to those that are less fortunate. Giving back has allowed me to make an impact in my community while positively changing my outlook on how the world works. I have been able to offer a helping hand while working to mitigate some of the social, health, and economic gaps. I have found my sense of purpose through volunteering. My committment to working with underserved populations grew when I first started volunteering at Shepherd's Hope, a free clinic serving those without insurance in the Central Florida area. It was not the gratitude from patients that touched me, but knowing that I was making a difference in someone's life. Volunteering has taught me what it means to be empathetic. Whether it was serving meals to the homeless community downtown or passing out water to those running in support of breast cancer awareness, I have been able to keep an open mind to better understand the circumstances and the story of other members of in my community. I think we all have calling to give back. It is important to leave the world a little better than how we found it.