Personally I enjoy doing community service.I regularly volunteer helping the elderly in an independent living senior apartment facility. It makes me feel good. I am earning experiences and memories much more valuable than money. More young people should volunteer helping our elderly citizens because it builds character, it makes you appreciative, and our elderly need the help.
Working with the elderly builds character. I want to be a person that a child could look up to. Every day that I spend helping a senior brings me closer to becoming that person. The elderly have taught me so many things. An elderly man taught me a way to make meat tougher than shoe leather edible. An elderly woman is teaching me the art of jewelry making. I talk to them about my life and they share with me memories of theirs. I ask their opinions on my career paths. I listen to the stories of their lives. I try my hardest to absorb their knowledge.
I appreciate my life. I am grateful for everyday that I wake up, regardless of my situation or the challenges that have to face that day. Spending time with the elderly has made me very appreciative. When I listen to the 97 year old man describe his childhood , I am grateful for mine. I could not imagine walking three miles to elementary school barefoot, let alone being done with school, working full-time and living on my own at 14 years old. I look at each day as a new experience for me to overcome. Listening to stories of the Great Depression helps me survive through this recession and appreciate every experience I have to endure.
Good people go out of their way to help others. Our elderly people need assistance with so many things. Sometimes, I will take them shopping. Other times I will straighten up their apartments, but most of the time I just provide them with companionship. It doesn’t take much for me to open a jar of spaghetti sauce, but for an 89 year old woman, it can be challenging. I can easily read small print or thread a needle, but a lot of our elderly cannot. Elderly people face many difficulties and deserve assistance in order for them fully enjoy their golden years.
Helping the elderly is a comfort to my soul.I know I am doing something meaningful. The things that I am taught through daily interaction with the elderly cannot be taught in schools. I have learned patience, compassion, and respect from these people. Working with the elderly has made me a better person. I am sure it means a lot to them that I am willing to help them out of the kindness of my heart. It definitely means a lot to me to be able to borrow a teaspoonful of their wisdom.
