Grace K., Tower Heights Middle School
Joy Through Helping
Helping other people has always brought me joy. Even if it’s something small, knowing that what I’m doing is making someone else’s life a little bit better causes a happiness that I strive to feel. Because of this, I try to help others as much as I can, and it makes my life so much happier.
When I first got the opportunity to volunteer and help out at my dance studio, I was delighted. Dancing has always been something I love, and helping the younger classes is one of the things I look forward to every day. Once a week, for an hour, I am a “demonstrator”, or the teacher’s assistant, for a ballet class for kids that are seven-nine years old. I help the teacher by doing things like doing the combinations (a series of dance steps the teacher puts together) in the front of the room, being there in case another student needs help with something, taking them to wash their hands, giving corrections, and being a good role model. In that class, I am considered a teacher, a mentor, and someone to look up to.
Demonstrating is one of my favorite things to do. Knowing that I am a role model to many of my students inspires me to work harder, and it drives me to aim to be the best dancer I can possibly be. It brings me a sense of pride knowing that a couple years ago, I was standing where my students were, being inspired by the demonstrator in the front of the room. I remember being amazed by them--by their work ethic and strength. Now, I am that demonstrator, and knowing that I am an inspiration to them fulfills me. Seeing their happiness when I talk to them motivates me to become more involved. It’s as if the more involved I get, the more fun I have, and the more I enjoy something, the more others enjoy it too. It’s amazing how I can just have fun and do what I love, and the joy that I experience spreads to others.
I would like to continue to help people as my life goes on. Volunteering and helping others is something that brings joy to me, and I hope to continue to contribute as much as I can. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to donate more than just my time to charity and help the world even more. I truly believe that happiness isn’t a result from what you get, but rather from what you give. Therefore, my goal is to help others as much as possible, making my life and others’ lives better and happier.
