Have you ever Volunteered before? I did for the first time and it changed me for the better.

There is something satisfying about helping others.  It is such a selfless act and something I respect very much.  As an immigrant, with all the controversy that is going on in our government, I felt a need to help others.  I wasn’t sure in what way since my schedule is never steady due to my job. I had never really volunteered in anything and when one of my friends needed help for translating immigrant women who were seeking asylum it was a no brainer. 

Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

As I translated these women’s stories I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the life I have thanks to my parents who immigrated to United States from Colombia.  I’m also very grateful for my parents for making sure I never forgot how to speak my native language, Spanish.  The fact that I am bilingual allows me to help immigrants who speak Spanish tell their story.  Although my role was minimal to what my lawyer friend and her co-workers were doing, I felt that I was adding my grain of salt to help a bigger cause.  You learn to be selfless and compassionate.  It feels empowering as well that you helped someone or something.  I’m not the best to express myself through writing but I want to leave you with some quotes of how I felt after volunteering.

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” –Aesop

“A simple act of kindness can make a tremendous impact on a person’s life”-Anonymous

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” -Gandalf

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

So I encourage everyone to volunteer at least once in your life.  Find something that you are passionate about and see how you can volunteer to help.  Whether it’s helping animals, mother earth, children, or veterans, take the time out of your busy schedule to help change a life or even world. I promise you that you will come out a different person for the better as I did.

Remember to dream big, be brave, and explore life! Until next time, MUAH!