The Consequences of the Seemingly Inconsequencial by Caleb

The Consequences of the Seemingly Inconsequencial by Caleb - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Every Sunday, I volunteer in the kid’s classroom at my church. When I volunteer, it’s not about making me feel better about myself, but, instead, it’s about furthering God’s kingdom and allowing the future generation to feel empowered to do the same. However, after volunteering for so long, it began to seem as if I wasn’t making that big of a difference and just going through the motions. I learned, though, that even in those times, I actually am creating an impact. For example, I had a kindergartener come in for his first time in the kid’s classroom, and I could tell that he was kind of shy. I noticed that his nametag read, “Caleb”, which is also my name. That quickly gave me something to connect with him over. Through several weeks, I was able to get to know Caleb, play games, and make a real connection. Even though these actions seemed insignificant, I left an impression on him that was immeasurable and beyond what I knew at the time.
Once COVID hit, I didn’t get to see Caleb for several months since we weren’t meeting in person. Finally, after over a year, I saw Caleb again, and he instantly remembered me and ran over, startling me with a hug. A week or two later, when I was sitting in the main auditorium waiting for service to start, his parents found me and told me how much of a difference I made for their son. They told me how Caleb was so excited to finally see Mr. Caleb again and how he always talks about me at home. That was when I realized that the interactions I have with kids can make an impact and empower them by providing them with a role model to look up to.
I’ve always heard that what you say, how you treat others, and how you conduct yourself matter. While this has never been something I’ve doubted, it’s never been a truth which has proved itself until now. I now understand the gravity of every single choice made. Even when my choices seem small, seem insignificant or unimportant, seem inconsequential, I know that it’s, in fact, the exact opposite. Never discount the effect of a friendly smile, a warm hello, remembering someone’s name, or even holding the door open for someone; it could be the one bit of kindness needed to remind someone that they are loved and cared for in an otherwise mean and cruel world.