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Trip nurtured desire to be of service
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When asked what I would like to do when I get older, I usually respond along the lines of, “I just want to help people.” However, that can seem a bit overwhelming when you think about it, because there is so much need. But like everything in life, I have learned to take it one step at a time.
For the past two summers, I have traveled to South Africa to help rape victims and children with HIV/AIDS in the KwaZulu Natal region. This year we worked with an orphanage for unwanted and forgotten children.
The lives of many of them began in such a tragic way. Some were found abandoned on the roadside or left in trash cans. We played with them, fed them, cleaned them and loved them. The time and energy that the social workers at the orphanage devoted to these children struck me. I could see that they really cared for these children and wanted to improve their lives.
During my time in KwaZulu, I met many South African volunteers who are passionate about helping their country. Getting to know these people and learning about their charities has inspired me to find more service activities that I can do here in China.
Since my trip, I have started teaching migrant students in Shanghai. Recently, I went on a service trip to a school in the Philippines to coach a basketball team. I have also served my school by helping students with homework and showing kids how to have fun while cooking.
Although these are all good things, I know that it only scratches the surface — there is so much more in store for me. I believe I have been given this desire to help others for a reason, and throughout my life, I hope to lead a meaningful existence serving the world around me.
(Nuna Atadja, Grade 11, Concordia International School Shanghai)
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