They Are People Too by Camilla

They Are People Too by Camilla - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

For as long as I can remember, my family has been a constant volunteer with the Jodeco on the Road Food Pantry led by a man named Mr. Frankie. Mr. Frankie is a Vietnam veteran and suffers from many health problems. That does not keep him from spending the majority of his time serving others and giving all that he can. While serving alongside him, I have built relationships with those less fortunate than myself. I have learned that even though they do not have much, they are just like me. They need to feel loved and valued. While most are barely making ends meet, many are extremely giving. There have been several times when we made food deliveries that, before we even left, they were setting aside food to share with others. If these people who are in such need can share so freely, why aren’t more people as generous?

As a result of working with Mr. Frankie, I view the world very differently than I did before. Many of us stereotype everyone we see. That in itself is not entirely bad, but we can miss relationships with the most wonderful people without taking time to really know them. I believe that many people stereotype the homeless without knowing their story. People see them, but fail to acknowledge them as another human being. They have family, friends, hopes, and dreams: just like everyone else.

One of my favorite families is Ms. Teresa and her daughter Autumn who is about my age. Ms. Teresa is a school bus driver who gives great advice. Autumn played saxophone in her high school band: just like me. We have many shared experiences through marching band stories and life in general.
Working with Mr. Frankie has changed the way I view others around me and how I interact with them. If I had never participated in this community service opportunity, I would most likely still have the misconceptions that most have about low-income individuals. I am truly thankful for Mr. Frankie and his lasting influence on my life.