When you give, you gain. This past Saturday, I went to the New England Sports Center for the annual disabled hockey tournament. Disabled teams made up of adults and children came from all over the country to play in the three day long event. There were both adult and child divisions. This tournament was what you call Nationals; the best teams in the country were invited to compete for the National title.
I volunteered for this event not knowing what to expect. I was slightly nervous on the ride to the rink, mostly because I was not well informed on what I had to do. I was not sure on whether or not I was going to have a good time; I was only aware of the idea that I was there to help out.
My shift was from 3-6 in the afternoon. My responsibility; helping to get the players off the ice, out of their sleds, and then into their wheelchairs. The kids were the ones that needed the most help, but there were some adults that needed some help too. With all their pads on, the players were heavy, and this task required lots of hard work. I had no previous experience with this, and I had to watch and learn at the beginning.
I ended up staying extra late to help out. I met some of the players, and was able to put a smile on some of their faces. This was one of the most uplifting experiences in my life. It felt good to me knowing I had impacted someones life in a positive way. Hockey is one of my passions. I believe that everyone should have the same opportunities I have, no matter the circumstances. Being able to help out others, especially doing it in a fun environment, was exciting and inspiring.
In the end of the day, this experience made me be more appreciative, and sensitive. I was more appreciative for my privileges, and more sensitive towards handicapped people. Some of the people did not want my help, and they got aggravated if I asked them. It made me realize that when you see someone with a physical disability, of course you should not stare, but you should also wait until they ask you for help. It may look like they are struggling, but most of the time: they are not.
I would like you to think about what I have just written. Helping out others is not only helping them, but it is helping yourself. In life, you will all have opportunities to give back to your community, If you chose to, you will always be rewarded.
I volunteered for this event not knowing what to expect. I was slightly nervous on the ride to the rink, mostly because I was not well informed on what I had to do. I was not sure on whether or not I was going to have a good time; I was only aware of the idea that I was there to help out.
My shift was from 3-6 in the afternoon. My responsibility; helping to get the players off the ice, out of their sleds, and then into their wheelchairs. The kids were the ones that needed the most help, but there were some adults that needed some help too. With all their pads on, the players were heavy, and this task required lots of hard work. I had no previous experience with this, and I had to watch and learn at the beginning.
I ended up staying extra late to help out. I met some of the players, and was able to put a smile on some of their faces. This was one of the most uplifting experiences in my life. It felt good to me knowing I had impacted someones life in a positive way. Hockey is one of my passions. I believe that everyone should have the same opportunities I have, no matter the circumstances. Being able to help out others, especially doing it in a fun environment, was exciting and inspiring.
In the end of the day, this experience made me be more appreciative, and sensitive. I was more appreciative for my privileges, and more sensitive towards handicapped people. Some of the people did not want my help, and they got aggravated if I asked them. It made me realize that when you see someone with a physical disability, of course you should not stare, but you should also wait until they ask you for help. It may look like they are struggling, but most of the time: they are not.
I would like you to think about what I have just written. Helping out others is not only helping them, but it is helping yourself. In life, you will all have opportunities to give back to your community, If you chose to, you will always be rewarded.
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