My most rewarding and stimulating experience throughout the past two years would be volunteering at the swimming competition for Special Olympics. This had special meaning for me because we have a family friend with a disability. Experiencing this important competition helped to improve my leadership skills, my character, and support my community.
First, my leadership skills developed when I independently directed each swimmer where to line up at the platform and informed each contestant when they needed to swim. I had to make sure that the swimmers were positioned and ready to perform, and if they weren’t I was responsible for not having them there. This kept me on my feet at all times and aware of each events time and location. I learned each swimmers name, since many of them swam in more than one event.
Secondly, my character was greatly improved when I saw the swimmers get their awards for winning each swimming event. I was impressed that most swimmers could swim better than I could swim myself. It astonished me by their positive attitudes, no matter whether they won or lost. This also expanded my horizons, and afforded me the opportunity to meet people I would normally not encounter in my day to day life. I went out of my comfort zone and did whatever needed to be done. It was especially rewarding when I saw the glowing faces of the contestants.
Lastly, I was of service to my community by lending a hand to this much needed organization. This is one group that most people are not actively searching to volunteer. They need many people to make this competition successful. To be a part of this organization gave me a chance to improve my community and become acquainted to the people that live in this area.
As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” The importance of volunteering should be done throughout your life. Fortunately, through the many opportunities my church and community has offered I was privileged to be involved at this exciting and important event in these contestant’s lives. I hope to be a help at this event in years to come.