For years I have had a dream to volunteer in Latin America. I finally submitted my application, was accepted and am headed to Guatamala to teach yoga, health and maybe even do some gardening! Below I share my application essay which depicts my feelings about giving back. Enjoy…
Some people ask the question “why me?” in response to the unfortunate or difficult circumstances they find themselves in. I ask “why me?” in response to the extremely blessed life I have been fortunate to live. The reason behind the very fortunate or incredibly unfortunate lives we are each born into is a conundrum and I don’t have the answer. However, I do have a response and a dedication towards action for whichever circumstance or situation in which we find ourselves.
My response is simply personal responsibility. Wherever, however and with whomever we find ourselves can be shifted by taking personal responsibility to elevate our lives and the world to a more peaceful, positive, and powerful place. By being open to possibility we can manifest a new future for ourselves and there will always be people to help. I grew up in a loving home with parents who are still married and madly in love. I was taught by example how to love and care for others and lived an abundant life, full of opportunity. I soon realized that my fortunate condition deemed a grave personal responsibility to use my time and talent to give back to the world. It has been a goal of mine for the last five years to volunteer in a Spanish-speaking country.
I finally have space and time in my life to do it and am jumping at the chance to give back. Why Spanish-Speaking? I have had a love for Latin culture ever since I picked up a Spanish picture book in 5th grade. I began teaching myself the language and when I was old enough, enrolled in a formal class. The more I learned about Latin culture the more I fell in love. I enjoy the food, the dancing, the hospitality, and the compassionate grace of the Latin people and especially enjoy speaking the musical language. I hope that I can contribute to El Nahual to the same extent that I know El Nahual will contribute to my life.