AMH2020 student
When first reading this
assignment’s instructions, I let out a small groan. Another one of these essays
where you must link a quote to your assignment and explain it. Being the end of
another long semester riddled with obstacles, from hurricanes to a break up and
exams, this was the last thing I really wanted to work on this week. I was
ready to sleep in for the first time in months, to just chill and play a video
game. As if I didn’t already do that enough. I really should be trying to ask
Jamie on a date or something, and the closest I’ve gotten to that is studying
for your Final with her all week.
I sat down and skimmed through the
choices for quotes to start this essay off. Normally, I would randomly pick a
quote and make up the essay as I go along, but this quote from Jens Stoltenberg
hit me like a bolt of lightning. “When autumn darkness falls, what we will
remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk,
and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together
and caring about its people.” I had
spent most of my life living by these words, every act being for the benefit of
someone else because it was just something kind to do, and someone had
articulated it to other countries. However, with these acts usually came a
feeling of appreciation that wasn’t because they were the morally right or
selfless thing to do, but because it benefitted someone else in a way that they
wouldn’t do for others. I’d spent a lot of the last two years feeling like
being who I am, valuing integrity and respect, chivalry, lifting others up instead
of throwing yourself into the spotlight, had just led to me feeling taken
advantage of and not succeeding in life the way other classmates with bigger
egos and not a selfless thought were. This led to serious depression, weight
gain, and loss of excitement for what I live and breathe; Music.
Reading this quote became a kind of
wake-up call that was much needed for me. I also happened to have read it after
attending a middle school band concert for some students I teach. My little
protégé, a 6th grader I’d known for a few weeks, ran up to me with a
big hug after the concert, and I realized how much an hour of encouragement and
help each week meant the world to him. It was a small moment like that which
shone through a building Spinal Tap-black cloud of emotions I’d been dealing
with, and which has helped reestablish my faith in what I believe in
completely. It helped make me realize that teaching Music and giving that gift
of encouragement and drive was my calling. At the end of the day, all it can
take is a smile, one kind word, or one second of a good deed to make a big
difference in someone’s life, and those small moments are what endure and truly
matter.
This semester, my class and I were
tasked with completing a Service Project for my AMH2020 class. This required
finding an activity, a good deed, or an event to assist in that gives back to
the community or helps someone out in some way. The opportunity arose to serve
meals at Veteran’s Village over the semester. Veteran’s Village is an apartment
complex where Vets temporarily are housed and taken care of as they adjust to
being back in the world, gathering their bearings. Having many family members
in the armed services, veterans of and currently serving, as well of thoughts
of joining myself, I decided it would be the least I can do to give back for
their sacrifices made.
I initially wasn’t sure what to
expect from the veterans.
Sometimes people aren’t very appreciative of things
you do for others, as has been the case with some homeless people I’ve tried to
give food to but just really want beer and cigarette money. While the serving
of food was very hectic, everyone was fortunately very appreciative and kind as
I handed them the salads I made. I ended up coming again to serve meals during
my birthday week, and made a big Bolivian dish for everyone. This dish was a
hot, steamy plate of steak, French fries, and hot dog slices, all doused in
some gravy
One veteran spoke very much on how grateful he was that we took the
time to see him and made sure he had a hot meal. I could see in his eyes how
much he really meant that, after the experiences vets can go through, and
knowing they were kind of on their own here at home. Small smiles and moments
like that made any effort, big or small, worth it. It’s something I’ll always
try to remember through the hard times, so that others can know it’s worth it,
too.
This was the only photograph I
could find of the event that I was in, but I’m standing behind the man I’d give
a TV to, so I’m not complaining. I’ve enjoyed taking another one of your
classes this semester, and will see you in the next one!
