Self- Less - Ness, Breaking this word up I think most people see or hear it as : " Less of yourself, more for others" And Although it can be that way it some aspects I think we should change the Perception of it. Selflessness is not just beneficial to the person being helped or receiving, it helps the person soul grow beyond the ego and recognize its more overall connection to others. When we serve without expecting praise or repayment, we show up with compassion, humility, and love. When you find Selflessness as a common Practice in your life ( not self sacrificing ) you find a deeper moral purpose and fulfillment in life no basic task could offer. I've learned that being selfless is not about doing something crazy heroic. It is about noticing what would make someone's life a little lighter and choosing to help them even when you might not get noticed for it. I spent three summers volunteering with Harvest Workers helping in need families with food, cooking meals, painting houses, and doing landscaping for free. We did projects that helped single mothers who don't have all the resources they need, it really taught me that people are most strong together. We had a meal with the family we cooked for, and the smiles on their faces from togetherness gave me an undeniable sense of purpose. We could not fix all the problems that these families had, but we lightened their load. Whether I was cooking a meal or working in someone's yard I saw how helping people in ways could also show them that we care, community is important and we shouldn't have to struggle or handle pressure alone. I also learned selfless takes great patience and perseverance. Helping others is not always easy or fun, It can mean giving up your time when you're tired doing hard work or helping people without getting any thanks. I kept going because even if their isn't instant gratification my time has not been wasted by any means, myself and my friends time was used for the benefit of others and the world has been hurt so it may not always understand kindness but it will absolutely start to heal. I've found myself drawn to leadership opportunities aligned with this vision, like through Labre I helped give food, friendship and support to younger kids who do not have homes. I learned that helping people is not about giving them what they need to survive, sometimes it's simply showing you care about them as a person and choose to take time to listen. I also taught students jujitsu, helping them work through their frustrations and build confidence. In each of these situations being selfless started with listening to people and trying to understand what they really needed... our own perspectives aren't the only perspectives. I am starting my second year at San Diego State University and I'm studying Business and communications because my fulfillment is in teaching, inspiring and guiding people through conversations and time. My experiences volunteering has shown how we communicate and our choices can truly make people feel welcome supported and believed in. I try to be selfless by showing up offering what I have and treating helping others as a way to build relationships rather than just doing something to feel/look good. I hope to honor Michael Rudometkins memory by showing up everyday striving for the purpose of connecting myself and others with community and relationships, at the end of the day it's the love we create in the world that makes it special.