In a world where every day brings the chance to try something new, volunteerism has been my vision to growth, discovery, and unexpected adventure. At first, I thought volunteering was just about giving back to the community, but little did I know that it would turn into a journey that helped me grow as a person. Through tasks like helping women in their gardens, assisting children in their studies, and guiding youth through activities like block molding and fishing, I became more involved and more visible in my community.
One day, I decided to join the local fishermen on a trip to catch fish. Now, let me be honest, I’ve always had a fear of water. The idea of putting my legs into a lake or river was something I couldn’t even imagine. But, on this day, something pushed me to face that fear.
We ventured out on the water, hoping to catch enough fish to support my host family . Unfortunately, the fish weren’t cooperating that day. But here’s the twist , fishing is my personal joy, especially when I can turn the catched into a delicious pot of pepper soup. So you can imagine, I was a little disappointed when we returned empty-handed.
As we journeyed further, we encountered a small lake we needed to cross to reach the best fishing spot. Now, you’ve got to understand, I’m the type of girl who shies away from any water, I knew I had to face my fear, but I didn’t know how. I confessed my hesitation to the group, and, instead of laughing it off, they encouraged me to push through. They even promised to help me get across.
When I stepped into the water, my heart raced. Every step felt like a challenge, and the idea of returning later when the water level would be higher sent a chill down my nerves. But the fishermen reassured me, “Even kids cross this place with no problem.” They were right. Slowly, my fear began to fade as I moved forward, and eventually, I made it to the other side.
Though our fishing trip didn’t yield much, the experience taught me meaningful lessons.. Volunteerism isn’t just about lending a hand to others, it’s about connecting with your community, understanding their needs, and having empathy for their struggles. It’s about being a part of something bigger, learning from the people around you, and sometimes facing your deepest fears.
At the end of the day, I walked away not just with a sense of accomplishment, but with a deeper appreciation for both my friends and myself. And I can say this louder that the fishing journey has been my most memorable experience. Wuday, the young fisher lady in the community of joreng.