The Joy That Is Unbeatable by Eliana

The Joy That Is Unbeatable by Eliana - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Ever since I was a little girl my parents have always told me to give back to the community. I have always tried my best to give back to the community in any way possible. One way I have found to do this is by volunteering at our outreach center in King, NC. At King Outreach they have two sections: food distribution and a clothing center. When I volunteer there I tend to work in the clothing center.

In the clothing center people donated clothes. When the clothes got donated we would go through those clothing to make sure that they are in perfect condition, if they were not we would donate them to a homeless shelter. We would price clothing appropriately for the items. I have seen many people be helped through this ministry.

The biggest lesson I have learned from volunteering here would be the joy that it brings to help others. I know this sounds very cliche but it is true. When you see the smiling looks on parents' faces and children's faces when they are able to buy new clothes, you feel a rush of joy inside of you too. I have had many people come in to try on clothes and have themselves their own little fashion show. I loved to see the joy on their faces when they tried on the clothes and they were able to buy them at an affordable price.

Another lesson that I have learned is to be grateful for what you have. When I was growing up I never realized how much I had. I would always want more. As I started to age I realized more that I need to be grateful for what I have. Now I try to give to anyone who is in need. I do this to the point where my mother is asking me if I have any clothes left. I like to say that giving is one quality about me that I never want to change.

I feel that without this opportunity to volunteer I would not be the person that I am today. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and also a joy that comes from giving that is not able to be brought by anything else.