Every week I come to “The Palama Parachute Club” and encourage the preschool through elementary school children who live in Mayor Wright Housing, by showing them a better way and being a positive influence in their lives. My favorite part about coming to Palama is when I arrive early and only a few kids have shown up. I love to play Connect Four with the lonely kid who might be new. These games usually end dramatically after one of us wins the tie breaking match with a crucial move. I also greatly enjoy joining in on the soccer match of the night. I’m amazed how much fun these kids can have with one torn up soccer ball and slippers as goals.
Volunteering every week makes me grateful for what I have and encourages me to serve more. Often, I invite my friends to come so that they can experience the joy of serving others. However, many times people don’t want to volunteer. One of the best ways I’ve encouraged others to serve is by first making genuine friendships and building up trust and showing true care for my friends. Then they are more inclined to take up my offer because they enjoy the friendship and the experience together.
Many studies have shown that happiness comes from being thankful. One way to realize how much you have to be grateful for is by serving others who are less fortunate. Volunteering becomes more alluring as we inspire gratitude in the people around us by taking the time afterwards to talk about how the night went. Because I go to Palama every week and diligently set up tables and pack up the games afterwards, I sometimes forget how different my Thursday nights are compared with those of most high-school students. But when I talk to the friends whom I invited, they remind me how impactful these hours are in my life and the lives of all the children who come.
Chad Shuler, 11th grade