Why I Decided to Volunteer With OSSO

I believe that every person has a light inside of them and has much to offer the world. It's easy for that light to be crushed when you are surrounded by hard experiences. I've been through many trials and I want to use the compassion I've gained to help others. That's why next month, I'm volunteering with Orphanage Support Services Organizations (OSSO) for two weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we are loved and I want to show these children that they are worth loving. I believe our purpose as humans is to find truth and to share it. The most effective way to do this is through service. When we open our hearts and empathize with others, we are able to learn something that can't be learned elsewhere.

I've always wanted to help others and I've developed strong beliefs about how important service is. Five years ago, my cousin volunteered with OSSO in Ecuador. I was inspired by her and wanted to do the same thing when I was older. Last year, when I started looking into humanitarian programs, OSSO was one of the first ones I researched. There are many humanitarian programs, but not as many for those under 18. I have a late birthday and won't be 18 until later this year. This is one of the reasons that I chose OSSO. There are other programs geared specifically toward youth such as HEFY and Global Leadership Adventures, but they're more expensive and don't focus as much on people. I want to make personal connections and touch individual lives. All of the work done with OSSO is with orphans or underprivileged kids. The light that children have inspires me and I'm excited to work with children everyday. That's why I'm volunteering with OSSO.