The Gift of Giving
Posted on by Westley Brawer, Horizons Volunteer
Volunteering at Horizons has been a life-changing experience for me and I am so thankful to have done it. Working with these young, amazing children has taught me so much and helped me grow into a better person in so many ways. No matter whether I am aiding the kids in literacy, helping them share with each other, or watching them as they pass their swim tests, there is always an atmosphere of caring and making positive differences that is wonderfully inspiring and touching.
Throughout my life, I have always wanted to help the world around me and make it a better place. So when I learned about Horizons and discovered I could start volunteering in seventh grade, I was very excited – but also nervous – for the opportunity. I had been assigned to the rising first graders and a number of challenges in my first couple of days made my experience draining. As the week continued however, I began connecting more closely with each child and as I got to know and work with each of them, something magical happened and lit up my world. Everything began changing for me as I saw the kids learning and blossoming emotionally and academically, and when they all beamed with joy after reading their first book together, I glimpsed the countless miracles they all were and knew I wanted to do all I could to nurture and assist them.
As that first Summer came to an end, I felt myself filled with emotions and memories. The bond Horizons had formed for me and them was more than a mentor to a student, it was like we had become family. Every child had done so much and grown emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually and I was so proud of all of them and grateful to have been able to play a role in their development. As these hard-working, growing ACORNS became SPROUTS at Horizons’ graduation I cried tears of joy for each of them, for their accomplishments in-and-out of class, and for the year of waiting before I could have the privilege of working with them again.
Looking back now, with another summer having passed and the kids having grown another year older, I find myself reflecting on all the experiences of Horizons, and the ways it has affected me and them. They have learned and grown so much in the time I have known them through this program, and while I have given them my time and knowledge and care, it feels like they have given me something even greater. They gave me the discovery, ability, and joy that is to be found in supporting and helping other people and have shown me meaning in life. I feel anyone could enjoy and benefit from working with Horizons and would recommend it to everyone. For my part, I am full of gratitude to have been a Horizons volunteer and a part of these children' s journeys and hope that I have made and will make many more positive impacts on these students in summers to come.