Service Project: The look on his face when I handed that sandwich to him was worth more than $1,000 in my book.

 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

This service project was something, in the beginning, that I thought would be one of those hassle projects that I would have to push myself to finish. As soon as I began visiting Veteran’s village, I immediately noticed how the veteran’s made everyone feel welcome and not out of place. The visits to Veteran’s Village soon began to feel more like an opportunity rather than a burden that I had to finish for a grade. It seemed like every time that I visited Veteran’s Village I would have an awesome experience with someone I didn’t the time before.

            These experiences opened my eyes to the gifts of giving. Prior to this, I had little sympathy for those less fortunate. My reasoning to this would always be, “They could get a job if they wanted one.”. The interactions between the veterans and I, made me realize that everyone has their own problems that not many see. One example of this was on the first visit to Veteran’s Village. That night it was breakfast for dinner and was quite busy with volunteers and veterans engulfing the small kitchen/living area that the food was served at. There was this guy that I never got the name of but I think it was G*. He would say, “I want to go down south and be a pilot in Columbia.”. Everyone thought this was hilarious and we all would laugh at his antics and jokes, making the mood more enjoyable. After a few times of him explaining his master plan, you, Dr. Soldani, popped in saying “You need to be worried about your kids in Ohio.”. This shocked me. I thought how did he end up in Tallahassee, while his kids resided in Ohio.

            A few weeks later, someone in the class asked you about him because after that night I had not seen him since. You explained that through his job at Home Depot, he got transferred back to Ohio to be back with his children. During this conversation, I also found out that he had PTSD and that was why he acted the way he did. 

On the outside G* looked like the regular who was going through rough times. In reality, he was a veteran who suffered from the disease that destroys many individuals returning from wars, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This experience is one that I will keep with for the rest of my life. 

After this I tried to help out those in need anytime that I could. One night that my girlfriend and I went on a date, I paid for an elderly couples’ meal who looked like they could use some help. Another instance was when I was on the way home from one of my baseball games. It was a late one, left the field at 10 pm, and I stopped at Jersey Mike’s to get a sub on the way home. Outside of the establishment was an obvious homeless man, going through the trash. As I ordered my sub I also ordered one for this man. The look on his face when I handed that sandwich to him was worth more than $1,000 in my book. He exploded with gratitude and gratefulness, saying thank you at least 20 times before I made it back to my truck.

            The experiences that I’ve had since participating and going to Veteran’s Village, are ones that will remain with me until the end of my days.

 I would truly like to thank you Dr. Soldani for everything that you have taught me, inside and outside the classroom. Whether it be the joyful veteran that no one knows struggles everyday with illness or the random homeless person scrounging for their next meal, everyone has a story. This semester has been one to truly change my outlook on life and can be explained though Mrs. DeGeneres’ quote.“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” - Ellen DeGeneres. I now know that everyone has their demons, whether they choose to show them or not and I would like to help whenever possible. It makes feel great that my donation for, Tom, a veteran at VV is going to some who truly will be grateful.

Service Project: For My Project, I Published a Book....

(student essay Fall 2015)

"Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you."-Richard Bach

For my service project I wrote a thorough essay on my family history. It started off as just the story of my six great uncles who fought together in world war II; but there were so many other interesting stories about my family to share that I hadn't even know about. Being able to gather all of these stories and facts together in one place was an amazing experiences. I will be happy to give the book to the ones I wrote about who are still alive today. My Uncle Steve, Aunt Sophie, and Grandpa Thomas will all greatly appreciate seeing the many stories and experiences they shared when they were younger together in one place for everyone to see and to never be lost. I'm happy to also share their tales with everyone else in the world and I hope it teaches everyone how no matter how bad things may be; if you work hard enough you will be able to make it to the top. My Great Grandfather John was from a very poor family and over the years his children almost made an empire with their businesses they developed in America. I am sure he is very proud of all of them; especially Frank and Joe who fought for the rest of America to be able to achieve that dream of rising to the top.

Here is the link to the published book: https://www.createspace.com/5915700

Along with my father I plan to continue to add more and more stories to this book and be able to share them all with the world.

Service Project: I plan on making an impact in the children’s lives, and why not start today?

(Fall 2015 Student)

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.- Maya Angelou

People talk about the future of this world and worry about the intelligence of the people we will be leaving it to, yet there doesn’t seem to be a big rush to change the way we teach these upcoming children. There is so much violence in the world but we aren’t teaching love to counter that. There’s fights but that’s because discipline has been moved out of schools. Children go to school and learn things that may be important for a bit but in the long run won’t help them succeed in life. The school system needs to teach life skills, how to get along with each other, how to serve, how to run a bank account and pay taxes, instead of worrying so much about test scores and how many math formulas you can memorize.

For my service project I went into a small private run preschool, which has only about 45 children. There have so many nice things said about this school, the love it has for its children, the kind teachers, and the way that all the children love to come back every day. This is the kind of school I want to be a part of one day. I want to make an impact on children’s lives and show them the beauty in the world. My sister teaches three days a week and has about 8 children who are 2 or 3. I got the pleasure of going in and spending time with them, reading them books, and singing songs. I loved seeing the joy in their eyes when I would pull out a book and the little ways they would dance to the songs. At this age these babies are so innocent and so easily influenced. These should be primary teaching times. My favorite moments were when I would knock on the door and hear from inside all the little voices yelling, “Miss Jill’s here!” What love.

I’ve heard the stories, and seen the stress of teaching from my sister, but I am excited for those parts as well. I plan on making an impact in the children’s lives, and why not start today?

The quote at the start of this paper is applicable to this topic in the way that the little lives you touch may not remember how you picked them up and held them after they fell down but they'll remember how you made them feel better, or how you gave them a snack after a long day at school but they'll remember how you provided for them. Feelings stick around even after the specific memory may have passed.

Service Project: I researched and wrote a book about my dad's journey to America

(Student Essay Fall 2015)

What I did for my service project is research and write a book about my dad’s journey to America. Where he had to leave all his family behind and escape the harsh aftermath of the Vietnam War. After creating this book I then published it on createspace.com. I did this project because of all the great stories my dad has told me throughout my life. I have always looked up to the man. He had to endure so much pain just so he could live a better life. He never gave up, giving one hundred percent of his effort. I believe that his story needs to be told. This project overall impacted me a lot. Showing that everyone can do whatever they want. They just have to believe in themselves.

Service Project: Life is all about choices and our actions we make, everything leads to something else. I have learned that the little things do matter, and that some times the little thing turn out to be the big things.

       

  I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what

you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.- Maya Angelou. 

While performing my service project, we were suppose to help others but in

doing so they have help me in so many ways. I have become more of a selfless

person and I have truly discovered the meaning of life. Life is all about choices

and our actions we make, everything leads to something else. I have learned

that the little things do matter, and that some times the little thing turn out to be

the big things.  I have learned to brach off and experience different things and

most importantly different people. Living life is about variety and diversity and I

have immensely realized that by the experiences I have encountered at

Shepherd Center.

         My major is excises science, this isn't the case where I am in it for the

money I enjoy helping people. For my service project I went to a spinal cord and

brain injury center and volunteered with anything I could. I would bring the

patients food on occasion or run errands for the nurses. Some people

there  have no family and seeing someone and talking to them for even just 

moment could brighten their day, also help in their recovery. A big factor in the

recovery process is support. Therefore, I also wrote letters of encouragement

and hope. Being at shepherd center I not only did I conform even more about

my goal of being a physical therapist but I also gained a lot of insight about life.

Things happen in an instant and in that instant you life can be complete turned

upside down.

         In the brain injury section some of people don't even know who

their loved ones are. With all this being said I have realized that we have such a

limited time to do something truly great and make our mark on this world so

starting tomorrow should never be an option, we are here right now and whats

better than starting at this moment.  When seeing all the doctors and physical

therapists interact with the patients  it warmed my heart and set a fire inside me

to be just like that. I observing the way the doctors and therapists looked and  

cared for the patient was truly inspiring, to them it was not just a patient they

made it there mission to connect with them on a personal level and get involved

with every aspect of their lives. This line of work you have to be very selfless and

kind hearted.

         There was this one man that really inspired me that nothing is impossible,

his name was Thomas. Thomas got in a very bad motor cycle accident and has

severe brain damage. He has something called left side neglect where he

neglects to acknowledge this whole left side of his body. Therefore he has to re-

lean how to walk using his left leg and arm. He had a fire in him that allowed him

to push though even on the worst days. We talked for a little and his mental

status is not fully there, his frontal lobe was damaged significantly but he loved

to talk about his daughter and her family. He has been there for six months and

doesn't recall the fist four months he was there. I really connected with this man

and will continue to write him letter and visit. The shepherd center is in my home

town therefore I will be visiting.  

Service Project: After spending the last 6 years in the military, I realized how important it is to military personal, that we make sure that they don’t feel like people have forgotten their sacrifice.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.- Audrey Hepburn.

            No truer words have been spoken.  I found this quote to be the most meaningful and relatable to how I have always conducted myself, I’ve always wanted to help people.  I want to do whatever I can to help the people in need and hopefully put a smile on someones face, not to have people thank me but to hopefully to give them hope, to know that there are still many people in this world who want more than just personal gain.  So much of that type of helpfulness is lost in this day and age, helping people is more than just being noticed by other people and I am not that type of person.  I’ve always tried to help people, while standing in the shadows so that people know for a fact that its genuine and not an alliterative motive.

            After spending the last 6 years in the military, I realized how important it is to military personal, that we make sure that they don’t feel like people have forgotten their sacrifice.  Everyone has the right to express how they feel and like it or not, I fought for the constitution’s values and if people feel like we are either horrible people, stupid or whatever a person may say, they have that right regardless if I feel differently.  America has been very fortunate to have not felt the effects of poverty as some other countries or other things taken for granted like, electricity or warm running water; maybe some people would laugh at that comment, but as Americans we have become so used to getting whatever we want in life, being able to go out and enjoy things like the beach or being able to go out to eat on a regular bases, and so people often forget to remember that if it were not for people in the military, we may not have been able to enjoy these luxuries. 

            For my service project, I wanted to give my time to the veterans at Veteran’s Village.  They are a great bunch of people and they never asked for anything, which made it a even greater and much easier way to want to spend more time with them.  Those men and women are amazing and I have been honored to have met them. 

Service Project: I know that helping BLUE Missions would affect the lives of many in the Dominican Republic; I wanted to help somebody today and without the assistance of others

My Great Act of Service

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. -Audrey Hepburn 

            For my service project, I decided to adopt a veteran. My veteran was named Bobby and I hope to have changed his meaning of life and Christmas. My act of service consisted of purchasing necessities at Target. I bought him a bathroom towel, a set of white t-shirts for everyday use, a set of socks for everyday use as well, and full size bed sheet set that includes 2 pillow cases and 2 sheets for a full size bed. All of these items were placed in a plastic storage box which Bobby could us to store his own belongings over and over again.

            Although my service project proposal read that I would lend a helping hand to the BLUE Missions Organization in their expansion to FSU, I decided to directly help a person in dire need. I know that helping BLUE Missions would affect the lives of many in the Dominican Republic; I wanted to help somebody today and without the assistance of others. Bobby now has something to look forward to on Christmas Morning. Although he may not know me, or know who gave him the gift, he knows there is someone out in the world thinking about him this holiday season.

            This great of service has impacted my education wisdom path because I learned that you do not necessarily need to be present to change the lives of others. I will not be present during the delivering of the gifts but I know my gift will mean a lot to Bobby. I have learned that it is not about the material gifts but about the gift of thought and sacrifice on my end towards him. I feel Bobby will be more grateful at the thought and at the fact that someone cared about him enough to change his life for the better than for the things inside the box. I also learned that, through great service for others comes great happiness for myself and for everyone I influence through my actions.

            Bobby, hopefully, will receive this box with not only the material items inside but receive happiness and joy during this season of great joy. He will use these materials to their maximum capacity. I hope that he sees beyond these items and sees the true meaning of the Holidays. I expect he will spread Christmas joy and happiness to all the people he encounters in his community.

Service Project: Ever since I’ve been young the only thing that I have ever felt good at was helping people.

 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” This quote by Lao Tzu stands out to be the most in relationship to the act of service we did for this class. 

When I found out that an act of service was a part of our curriculum I instantaneously got excited that I could further my help to those who can really benefit from it. Ever since I’ve been young the only thing that I have ever felt good at was helping people. When I was younger and even now, the only time I have ever felt fulfilled as a human being was giving to those I could. When I was in fourth grade my dad helped a family who came illegally to the United States in search for a better life in the states. My dad owned a pavement business where he would give jobs to those “under the table” so they can get money and start to plan a life to have her in the states. One of the workers had a daughter who I became close with right when I met her. She didn’t know much English at first but since she was my age, we hit it off over watching Mean Girls and freshly baked cookies we made from scratch. Although she was my friend I would give her a lot of clothes that I grew out of and even though they were hand me downs in my eyes, to her this was like getting absolutely new clothes. I felt so happy that I could make someone else happy. What is so beautiful about helping others is that it doesn’t even need to be a materialistic thing that you are giving. Sometimes all people want is to be talked to and understood.

            I got my service project idea one day when I was leaving the bathrooms at TCC. I was waiting for the custodian to finish cleaning the sinks at the school bathroom and I was waiting my turn to use the sinks to wash my hands. The custodian started rushing to finish cleaning and said “I am so sorry ma’am I’ll be done soon, I’m sorry!” I replied “No worries! Don’t worry about it!” Right away I felt so bad that someone who is doing their job was apologizing for doing their job. I was the one using the bathrooms provided for me and without the custodians the campus would truly fall apart. I think about the fact that everyone wants to pursue their dream job but unfortunately, some things just happen and fate steps in. Although the custodians may not want to do their job, the fact that I have always been treated so nicely by here is such an awesome feeling. I noticed how the custodial staff is overlooked in a way and people just go on with their days ignoring them as they walk by them. I don’t think I have ever heard someone ask them how THEIR day went. For the service project I decided to get the custodial staff a little gift for the holidays. Since it’s almost time for the holidays I wanted to get the custodians a little something just so they can feel appreciated.  I wrote them a card about how much I appreciate what they do every single day and how if it wasn’t for them that the school would not be as nice as it is today. I also wrote that I hope they enjoy their holiday season and their gifts!

            The impact I got from this project was that it’s a different type of fulfillment. You can be fulfilled by materialistic things all you want, but nothing is a better feeling than helping someone else. Not that I feel as if the janitors are in need of things, but it doesn’t hurt to have someone tell you that they appreciate you.          

I know that the janitors will get a nice feeling once they open up the card but it certainly won’t be a better feeling than the fulfillment I get from helping someone else.

           

           

Service Project: I will have to say that while I did enjoy the experience, it wasn't all flowers, spice and everything nice.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” - Audrey Hepburn

I decided to do my service project at the new homeless shelter in Tallahassee. I felt like I could make a difference in the community by serving those in need right here at home. I volunteered a total of 15 hours at the Kearney Center during November. I had the opportunity to meet people that were down and having a hard time. I worked in the kitchen and served food to others. It was nice to be a part of something that everyone enjoys...eating! I served food to others and helped put a smile on their face. Little things like that, make it enjoyable and make me want to come back to do it again. I really enjoyed talking with some of the people. I always worked the lunch shift. I came in about 10:00 am on those days and worked until 1:30. The main thing I was responsible for was set up and serving. I had to help sanitize everything that is used for mealtime. I rolled silverware up, helped cook and took out the trash.   I also helped prepare meals for the following day and placed it in the refrigerator. I will have to say that while I did enjoy the experience, it wasn't all flowers, spice and everything nice. I was extremely shocked, but the majority of the people I helped serve food to, did not even say thank you. Every meal they eat at the shelter is completely free and there are three meals served each day. The fact that most people were not appreciative for being fed several times a day is crazy! The cook and kitchen manager even said a few times out loud to me that it is shocking to him too. He worked as the lead chef at Applebee’s for 9 years before coming to the Kearney Center. He said now it is a lot less stressful than working in a busy restaurant, but he also said that he had more people thank him that PAID for their food than at the homeless shelter. There were a few that were very thankful and expressed that several times before leaving the dining area. Those are the people that make it worth going back. Overall I had a good time and would encourage others to volunteer their time at the shelter. I

Service Project: I’ve grown to learn that the smallest deed is always more than enough and the smallest bit of consideration can always make someone’s day.

 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

 “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” –Amelia Earhart

“You don’t pay love back, you pay it forward”. A coined phrase from the early 20^th century by Lily Hardy Hammond which always tends to make me smile due to the domino effect of kindness it can set off. Even before I was aware of this specific quote, person, and movie premise, I’ve always endured the concept especially coming from my hometown, because you never knew if you’d be the one reaching out for a hand in need one day, and knowing that you’d definitely appreciate it if the time came, makes it difficult to turn away someone else who may be in a particular, but similar situation. The fact that a person, or persons, you’ve helped along the way can do something for someone else and possibly set off a chain reaction of small but extremely helpful deeds from that very point, is payment enough for whatever type of assistance one may have provided at the moment and is what, I believe, fuels myself and everyone else in this giant, hand-extending love-fest.

One day, after recently arriving in Tallahassee and not quite familiar with the bus schedules yet, I missed the local bus by seconds and aside from being frustrated, thought I was obviously going to have to wait for the next one. Not a minute after, a car pulls up and a guy asks me if I just missed that bus, which I assumed was rhetorical since he literally saw me run after it, but with my frustration aside, I replied, “yes, by a split-second”. Politely, he asked if I needed a ride, and even though I just mentioned appreciating random acts of kindness while in my hometown or anywhere else, I also learned to be extremely cautious in the same exact place. Quickly, I analyze the situation and know that if I waited for the next bus, I was going to be late. So I decided to hop in and hoped that it was nothing more than a mere gesture and sure enough, it was. Upon being dropped off and acknowledging the man’s kindness, I asked him if there was anything that I could do, “gas money? Little something for lunch?” considering the fact that I don’t know how far off his own route he went to help me, and he immediately replied “it’s all good man, just pass it on”. I smiled and guaranteed him that I would after telling him how much I appreciated it. It was then and there that I got a “homey” feel to the new city I lived in. It displayed the hospitality that came with the joint and demonstrated the willingness to lend a hand.

Although that particular situation was quite bigger than just a small random act of kindness, it was one I kept thinking about, along with a few others back home, when I chose the opening quote. When this assignment was given, it was intended to have us do something out of the ordinary, when it came to providing local or community service, or “volunteering”. Intended to have us do just a little extra, and with that foundation laid out, its what I wanted to do. I’ve volunteered at organizations and state parks and done fund-raisers with the school, but this was a chance to do something different for others, other than the traditional ways of reaching out and feeling like you helped. But a few weeks down the line, it came to my attention that time to complete the project was running out and I didn’t necessarily engrave my option of service yet, so I became a bit concerned, because even though alternatives were being given regularly every week or so, I wanted something a bit more personal. The only thing is, the more I thought about it, the less time available to complete whatever I intended to next, so gratefully, I looked to some of the alternative options that were provided and noticed that every single one of them were exceedingly enough, not because of the amount of thought put in, or amount spent, but because every single action is going toward helping their current situation. So taking advantage of the little time I had to put something together, I go with one of the many splendid ideas provided to put a smile on one of dozens of peoples faces and Adopted a Veteran to help dazzle up his outfit and give him the fine styling of a lumberjack. Over the countless experiences I’ve had, I’ve grown to learn that the smallest deed is always more than enough and the smallest bit of consideration can always make someone’s day.

Service Project: It’s the season for giving and loving, and thats what me and my family are going to offer to a family trying to get away from the bloodshed.

 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” - Ellen DeGeneres

My service project dealt with raising money to help Syrian refugees into the country and have a easier time accommodating their lives in the U.S. St. Efrahm a Syriac catholic church had asked for donations through our Youth Group and the people attended the masses. Over countless Sundays the Church asked for donations from the people that are apart of the Church. The youth group also tried to raise money through a car wash which was very successful. We raised more than $1,500 and will continue to seek more fundraising events in the future.

My family will also be taking a relatives in from Syria in our own home until they get back up on their feet and find jobs. The son of the family that is going to stay with us, is my age and trying to enter into a University. I have been messaging him through Facebook to help him on his journey to a brighter future. He needs to take the SAT and ACT but since he hasn't been a resident in the United States for longer than a year the tuition will be very expensive.

These fundraisers are to help people in need like my cousin. At first they come to the United States at a disadvantage with nothing, which is why the help of our church is needed. My family and I are doing our part to help relatives in need of shelter for a couple months. It’s the season for giving and loving, and thats what me and my family are going to offer to a family trying to get away from the bloodshed.
I am trying my best to help anyone avoiding the war in Syria, even if it means giving up my time to help someone that is less fortunate. My father will also be helping the family find work and find suitable home and car for them. Although my Christmas will be a little crowded with four others in my house, my Church and my friends and family will open our arms to them.

Service Project: After doing this I felt good on the inside because I’m not the type of person to give away anything for free.

 (Student essay Fall 2015)

The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service. Why I did my service project, honestly in the beginning for a grade, I wanted to pass this class with an “A” and this was part of my final grade. Throughout the year I kept on hearing about the class always going to veteran’s village having fun and the veterans had fun too.  Then everywhere I went no matter if it was Tallahassee on my way to Walmart, of to a fast food joint, out of town Gainesville, Pensacola, Niceville, or Atlanta I would always see a homeless person everywhere.

 I thought to myself that I wouldn’t like to live like that at any point of time in my life and all these homeless people were old or veterans. My initial service project was going to be a large meal that would provide some of these homeless people something warm to eat for once. As much as I wanted to do that I did not have the time and energy to prepare and serve a large meal for them. So instead I just wanted to give back even if I couldn’t give back to to as many people as I wanted I just wanted to give back to at least one person.

 So I decide to by some essentials such as water for hydration, Gatorade for electrolytes, and snacks that were easy around to carry around with no trouble. After doing so I felt good on the inside because I’m not the type of person to give away anything for free. This experience has taught me you should give back because you never know how life will treat you and wish that someone else would do the same to you what you did for another. I also learned that there is more blessings in giving and receiving. 

The joy one gets from helping the needy is unexplainable and the act of giving can be fulfilling. I must say that doing this service project has made me have a broader perspective in life in terms of the importance of nurturing social responsibility. We often see social responsibility in our daily lives such as businesses and companies asking for donations from people as well as initiating service projects themselves. This shows that we need to be each other’s keeper and bring each other up and keep making this world a better place for everyone to live.

Service Project: Keeping the Block Clean

                

(Student Essay Fall 2015)

  As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. - Audrey Hepburn,

This quotereally gives me the chance to relate with the changes of my life. When you think of what the words mean when they say you have two hands were one is to help yourself while the other is to help others. 

For me to see that saying I took that as a person must take control of their life and dreams if they really want to be accomplished. In the same presents it is also saying that you must look out for others on your way up because being so focused on yourself you will lose more than gain. 

That makes me think of the old saying a closed hand will never receive, while a open hand will. Hepburn’s quote really seem to work with my service project just from the simple fact that with my neighborhood having mostly senior in it would not harm me to give them a helping hand in keeping the block clean. I was real worried about doing it because it would be something I never did for our area. 

As I got to cleaning around the block I seem to notice the block taking a new shape to me. Even though it was just a few bottles, and stray papers but to have that gone it really got a new look. For the scenery look nice to me so I know to the elders they probably enjoyed the sight.

 With that done I started to see the leave finally deciding to fall and thought I might as well get a rake and start to gather the leaves up as a way to help. Like the quote it take one hand to do things I like to do, but my other hand being raised to help out others make impressions like no other to the people around the community. 

The only thing working with both hands will do is propel you forward to a new level if you help from the heart. Compared to if you only work the one arm, which will lead to you ending up in a circle, or a point that you want be able to pass alone. 

This project really opened my eyes to what kind of people I really have living around me on day to day bases.

Service Project: David is getting a Chickfila Card, ;-)

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” by Maya Angelou. 

AMH2020, I decided to participate in the ‘Adopt a Veteran’ project. This project was created by

Dr. Soldani for the veterans of veterans village. I was able to choose a veteran to adopt and

purchase gifts for them. The individual I adopted was David. I do not know much about him

best to think of what he may need this holiday. Tallahassee, Fl will be getting colder in the next

and purchased items to put inside. 

In the gift bag I included a thermal long sleeve top, a pair of sweatpants, socks, and a personalized card with Chick­Fil­A gift card inside. I created this gift with the mindset of keeping David warm this

winter, and so he could have a delicious meal at my favorite fast food restaurant. David will be

to others, whether it is large or small, impacts them in a tremendous way. In high school I was apart of Student Government. Monthly we would participate in service walks and projects. Since graduating and moving up to Tallahassee I have not done a service project in months. Although I did not realize it before, it left me with a strange feeling. When this sign up was created I thought this was a perfect service project for me. Not only would it fill my strange void, but it was for the

able to make just one person's holiday a little more special. Not only did I impact another person's life this semester, but it impacted me as well. 

 

Onthe first day of AMH2020 Dr. Soldani mentioned Veterans Village. From then on almost

everyday, she mentioned a sign up to volunteer, or other ways to get involved. I found this to be

not only inspiring but admirable. In my years of education I have never seen an individual be so

devoted to helping others like Dr. Soldani. I have also never done a service project in any of my

classes other than my leadership class. Most teachers are focused on the coursework material and

that is all. Not Dr. Soldani, and this made me enjoy AMH2020 even more. I am now more

thankful for the opportunities I have in my life and I am thankful to be receiving a quality

education. Furthermore, I now realize it is selfish to always focus on myself on a daily basis

without doing something for others as well. I am sure I have made a difference in David's life,

he has made a difference in mine,