By: Nathan (High School Intern)
“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” This famous statement was said by President John F. Kennedy about serving our country.
Community service may not be exactly what the former president had intended by this quote, but it is still applicable.
Community service was not as common in the 1960’s as it is today, and it remains an important factor in the well-being of society; despite the fact that it often goes unnoticed. Tumwater High School requires a minimum of thirty hours to graduate, and yet this requirement symbolizes not a burden for students, but a motivating factor for students to get involved in their communities. While there are many different ways to get involved, here are two Tumwater students who have given back to the community:
Sara Geiger, a junior, spent a lot of her summer at Black Lake Bible Camp. As a leader in training, she worked with Councilors to create the best atmosphere for their young campers.
“I cherish the memory of being able to support a young camper who was about to go into a major surgery right after camp ended,” Geiger said.
“I just love serving those in need.
Volunteering allows Geiger to have “something to give back to the community,” she understands the need for “selfless service” to make a difference in the surrounding area.
Not to mention, serving at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Tumwater High School, and church are only a few activities of Tumwater senior, Michelle Kim.
“Volunteering is making others your first priority,” Kim said.
Kim experienced this two summers ago when going on a trip to Korea; where she spent most of her time with orphans. What stuck out most to her was how completely opposite her life was from theirs. She eventually connected with the orphans; one boy in particular started calling her mom. Knowing that wasn’t right, she had to explain to the boy that she wasn’t his mother. The boy wasn’t crestfallen, he immediately moved on after learning the truth.
“He never had a mom so he didn’t know what it was like in the first place,” Kim said.
These high school students understand the real world, that not everyone is as fortunate enough to have a home, to have money, to have that extra help that takes the stress temporarily off them. These students understand the need for generous people to donate their time to better the community. Volunteers are always welcomed in many organizations. Tumwater High School provides ways to get involved.
