Osama: Journal 1

Day 1 (October 31):

In the making a difference winterim, today we did many things that taught us a lot. First of all, a speaker named Dan Wilkins came to talk to us. He explained so many things about how disabilities are not the end of a persons life and can even make it better. Most speeches that I have heard in my life are usually so boring and make me want to sleep. However, Mr. Wilkins’s speech was very interesting and pretty inspirational. He kept all the listeners engaged in the discussion with his use of questions, stories, and his own experiences. I knew many things that he was explaining to us, but the speech was able to reinforce that and raise more awareness to it. I was also able to think of many ways in which I can raise awareness and make a difference in this area. An example would be remembering historic figures that did great things even with their disabilities, such as Thomas Edison or Monet.

The other main thing we did today was visiting the Cherry Street Mission and helping organize different things. That was a form of indirect service, because we were helping others without directly doing it to them. The different things we did were organize clothing, fix furniture, and move large furniture around. It was a lot of work, and they still have a lot more that needs to be done. I'm ready to go back there anytime to help them out because serving the community is a really good way to give back. I might also do some things to raise awareness for the less fortunate and maybe influence other people to help me in making a difference in supporting this cause.

By Osama Alkhalili