Personal Narrative: My Life As A Soccer Team

Service is a mindset. I work at Shady Grove and try to see my job as a way to serve others. I greet all customers with a smile and treat them with dignity; I am amazed to see the difference it makes in someone’s day. However, I don’t always see the positive outcome of a simple smile. Numerous times, I have had been responded to with a grimace or no expression at all. I know that the people might think I am bizarre for smiling for no particular reason, but I try to look at the effects and realize that I am willing to take the risk to be looked at as odd if the alternative option is that the person’s day became a little better. If we continually look for ways in which we can help others, the world we live in would be strengthened and made more prosperous. Some may believe that by serving others, our personal gain may be hindered; however, I truly believe that if we look for ways to serve others, it will not detract from our personal gain, rather, it will help us.
One activity I am involved in is helping a kids camp for younger soccer players. I was also able to play soccer with children in Belize this summer on a mission trip. It is so important to find ways in our community to help others by using our gifts. Soccer is a game I love and I am extremely grateful to use this passion to help others. By using this love for soccer in service, my
passion for the game has increased and it has allowed me to grow more as an athlete and person.
Through the Gliding Stars program, I have been shown the value of service in society.
When I was only five years old, my older and younger brothers joined an ice-skating program for people with special needs. I looked forward to watching them skate every Sunday. In fifth grade, I became a volunteer and have had the privilege to work with an amazing little boy with down syndrome. Though I have helped my star learn to skate, he has taught me patience, courage to try difficult things, and so much more through his love and friendship. By serving others, we will gain an appreciation for all individuals who are assets to our
society.
As I mentioned before, this summer I had the opportunity to travel to Benque, Belize on a mission trip. Though I went down there to serve, the people in Benque were more selfless than me. One day at recess, I asked a girl in fifth grade what her plans were for the night; she responded that she would help her mother prepare dinner, do the laundry, sweep, do the dishes, and take care of her siblings. They had little, but were generous with the material goods they did own. They would offer to give us the bracelets they were wearing on their wrists. Their joy didn’t come from things, it came from serving one another. The definition of the “American Dream” could be interpreted as to become wealthy. I challenge you to dream bigger. Know that by providing for a person, you will in turn gain more than all the money in the world.