Changes and Childhood Events Shaping Today's Beliefs - Essay Example

My initial response to his request was quite negative, offering an argument that such activity is only suited for skilled laborers. After an extended period of disagreement, I finally relented and allowed Thomas to sign us up as contributors to the project as one-day-only volunteers.

Thomas and I showed up for "duty" on the final day of construction, when the kitchen flooring, cabinetry, and other finishing touches were being accomplished. We were each assigned a partner and given multiple tasks to perform. Throughout the course of this extremely arduous day, I learned valuable skills such as how to install countertops and how to lay ceramic tile. I realized the importance of do-it-yourself knowledge as it provides a broader set of skills that can be applied to everyday living.

However, my learning consisted of much more than just a fundamental knowledge of home improvement. On that day, the future owner of the home came to inspect the property with her two small children. Armed with cookies, tears, and

excessive gratitude, this woman made an effort to embrace the entire volunteer staff and express that the home would take her life from destitution to an opportunity for hope and a future for her children. I realized instantly that my minimal volunteer efforts had made a tremendous impact on the life of a hardened family. In one day, I learned the long-term value of compassion and community relations.

This ties in with an event that I experienced as a child that fundamentally changed my viewpoint about caring. My long-time friend, "Jessica", had invited me over for our usual playtime. On this particular day, Jessica was more daring than usual, jumping recklessly from the rather high slide on her property. Pretending she was a superhero, Jessica vaulted from the equipment and ultimately landed incorrectly, snapping her arm like a twig. As she wailed, I noticed that a fragment of the shattered bone was protruding from her arm, making for a rather horrifying scene. Though I was terrified of the traumatic situation, I swallowed my fears and rushed to her side to calm her growing hysterics. In a moment, at only ten or eleven years of age, I was able to still her sobs of pain and calmly escort her to a neighbor's home where appropriate help could be contacted.

I think that on this particular day, I grew up substantially in the face of chaos and personal injury. I recognized that someone I cared deeply for was suddenly in tremendous pain and that I must take charge of the situation. Ever since Jessica's injury, I have carried this "take charge" attitude in virtually every life event since. In essence, my current belief in health-related competence and compassion was born on the day that I witnessed a person in despair. I honestly believe that without being present for Jessica's injury, I would not carry my current desire to work in the health field. Read More