I remember one instance while I was attending college 3,000 miles from home. I was at UCLA, and it was Thanksgiving. I couldn't go home to New York, because we couldn't afford the roundtrip airfare more than once a year. I heard about a program in which students were asked to participate in Baja California. It was an opportunity to go south across the border to help build an orphanage in a barrio outside Ensenada.
I had no idea what it entailed, but was curious and signed up.
It turned out to be a thrilling experience, working with other students to help turn a one-time brothel into housing for homeless children.
We had no place to spend the nights, aside from sleeping bags on the ground. We had little money and pretty much sustained ourselves on tortillas and cheese for the 4 days we were there. We worked 12 hour days, building fences, fixing broken down doors, and other tasks I can't seem to recall in detail. We couldn't drink the water for fear of bacterial contamination.
But instead of being totally exhausted and envious of those who got to spend the holiday with their families in more comfortable digs, we were all invigorated by the experience. It taught me that happiness does not always equate with comfort. We knew we had done something that mattered; that many young people would benefit from what we had accompllished, even though they would never know we were responsible. It was truly an unselfish act, and it was something I will never forget.
Years later I've found myself recounting the story to not only my children, but others I meet when something triggers the memory. I don't know if the program still exists, but it should, and not only for college students but for all young people. It not only helps put life in perspective, but provides great memories that you can share with others.
~ From Hettie in Los Angeles
I had no idea what it entailed, but was curious and signed up.
It turned out to be a thrilling experience, working with other students to help turn a one-time brothel into housing for homeless children.
We had no place to spend the nights, aside from sleeping bags on the ground. We had little money and pretty much sustained ourselves on tortillas and cheese for the 4 days we were there. We worked 12 hour days, building fences, fixing broken down doors, and other tasks I can't seem to recall in detail. We couldn't drink the water for fear of bacterial contamination.
But instead of being totally exhausted and envious of those who got to spend the holiday with their families in more comfortable digs, we were all invigorated by the experience. It taught me that happiness does not always equate with comfort. We knew we had done something that mattered; that many young people would benefit from what we had accompllished, even though they would never know we were responsible. It was truly an unselfish act, and it was something I will never forget.
Years later I've found myself recounting the story to not only my children, but others I meet when something triggers the memory. I don't know if the program still exists, but it should, and not only for college students but for all young people. It not only helps put life in perspective, but provides great memories that you can share with others.
~ From Hettie in Los Angeles