Open My Eyes To The Community I believe that everyone wants to make a difference in their community but doesn’t know how. I once thought the only way to help the community was through volunteering in healthcare, social work, or public service. Over time, I discovered that you don’t need a grand moment; rather, you need to make an impact on one person's life. My perspective on community service truly changed during my time as a teacher’s assistant for third graders at Olivet Elementary School for four months. Day after day, I watched educators pour every ounce of their energy, patience, and love into their students. However, I also witnessed firsthand the intense burnout that inevitably comes with managing a class of thirty two students a day. I remember this important conversation I had with her. She said that, “She desperately wanted to rest and recharge, but she couldn’t because of the lack of substitute teachers they had in the school district.” She told me that being there to assist with students, going on a run to pick up paper and other small things, was helping her make it through her day with a class with that many students. This conversation struck me because while I felt like I was just doing my job, she saw me as a support person, helping hand, and more. That moment made me realize that serving a community isn't just about massive, grand gestures. It is about stepping up to support our community when they are running on empty. Even if it's in the small ways that can make a big difference in their life, those are the most memorable ones. However, at the end of the program I found myself wishing that I’d participated in the program for more than four months so that I could continue taking the stress off her and allow her to step away from her demanding role as a teacher. This eye opening experience drove me to do more for the community because I enjoy making a small difference in people's lives. I now see those who serve their community possess a unique, quiet power to change a person’s life in ways we cannot predict. When helping the community, it exposes me to new cultures, unique viewpoints, builds greater empathy and a broader worldview. Overall, serving the community isn’t just about helping but being an inspiration to others and stepping out of my own comfort zone.