Inspired me to change myself

I changed. Before I joined PAVA, I did not appreciate my parents and the environment in which I live in. I believed that everyone lived like me, eating three meals everyday and getting what’s needed on a daily basis. Honestly, I didn’t consider much of what kind of environments others lived in and how they lived in their environments. Also, I did not have a chance to communicate with others and I was really shy to encounter new experiences. I was completely blinded until volunteer events changed my perspectives. Through volunteering, I realized that all people live in different situations, whether it be in affluence or in poverty. Volunteer events always taught me valuable morals, and the one that stood out to me was to help other people who lived in poor situation. In volunteers, I met people with different characteristics. These people had positive minds; it was fascinating because they were thankful for all that they have even though I thought that it wasn’t enough for them.

I gained inspirations through several events in PAVA. Especially, Midnight Mission. When I went to the Midnight Mission for the first time, I really did not want to go because it started at 5 a.m. and I had to wake up early. I did not even know what Midnight Mission was. I hesitated before I actually did this event because it was my first time meeting with homeless individuals closely and serving food to them. In addition, I was scared of them and could not open mind toward them. However, I got rid if my hesitations to get closer to them after I saw their precious hearts. Homeless people are satisfied with what they had even though we may think that is not enough for them. I realized that I lived life without appreciating it and being thankful for it.

Through various volunteer events in PAVA, I gained lots of precious experiences and was able to develop social skills through interactions. Now, I’ve learned how to communicate with several people. Now, I’ve learned how to care for others and be sympathetic. Now, I have the passion to create club and allow others to experiences the valuable lessons that I have learned. Moreover, I have a dream for my future, which is to go to Africa in order to help the people there financially and clean the environment. Look extensively and help more people who need warm helping hands.

<Da Yoon Kim, CV High, 12th Grade>