Old resolutions come back in new ways

Sophomore Derek Sun

As the year 2010 came to a close and 2011 was only a few seconds away, I quickly closed my eyes and made a New Year’s resolution: to help out the community. And, what better way to give back than through community service?

From the beginning of July through November, I volunteered every Tuesday at the Sub Acute Children’s Hospital in Quito as part of Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), a program in which local athletes help children with disabilities stay active.

The children at the hospital are all wheelchair-bound due to an array of disabilities—mostly physical.
At first, I was reluctant to go because of my naturally lazy attitude; however, I immediately bonded with a sixth-grade boy named Jose, who is in wheelchair because of respiratory issues, causing him to need an oxygen tank at all times.

Within a few minutes of talking, I could feel a strong bond growing between us. Our mutual obsession over the San Francisco Giants and the TV show “Family Guy” were just two of our strikingly similar interests that fueled our initial conversations.

During my first volunteer session at the hospital, I played a game of roller soccer, a hybrid of soccer, except with a huge blown up soccer ball. The sheer joy that emerged on Jose’s face was incredible when he played, especially when he nudged the ball past the goalie into the goal. A huge smile, stretching from ear to ear, erupted onto his face. I could do nothing but smile and high-five him.

He rolled over to me in his wheelchair to receive my high-five and grinned, “My chair is faster than yours,” and then rolled away. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

His competitive spirit was much like mine, further solidifying our friendship.

On Thanksgiving day, I spent the whole morning at the children’s hospital talking to Jose and his group of friends. Jose decided to show me his room. A butterfly adorned room was filled with electronics and littered with dirty laundry,much like my room, but what caught my eye was the PS3 sitting on his dresser. As I started to ask about his favorite game, Jose interrupted me and answered, “I love Little Big Planet, wanna play?”

We struck up in a friendly competition and were quickly enchanted by the game. We hurled friendly insults at each other as he smashed me, 7-1 in wins.

Times like these remind me of the brother-like bond I have formed with him, despite our age difference, as well as the satisfaction in carrying through with my resolution to volunteer and help improve the community.

The months that have passed since I met Jose seem like only a few hours. Every minute I spent with him, I cherished, realizing that not only was I brightening his day, but he also helped mold me into a better person.

Before my experience with Jose, I took for granted what I have and did not always think about those who can only dream of having what people in Saratoga expect.

After my first day volunteering, I returned every week to visit Jose and though it may sound cliche, I feel that this volunteer experience allowed me to grow into a more appreciative person. After my weekly visits to the hospital, I often found myself reflecting on how lucky I am to have a fully functioning body.

After this opportunity, I enter the holiday season feeling enlightened and satisfied, but also unfinished. After my time with Jose, my perspective has changed significantly, and I hope to not only improve my community through service, but also impact communities all around me. Along with that, I hope that I can persuade others in my community to help those around us and better not only the lives of a few, but of many.

No matter how I continue serving the community, not just in 2012, but throughout my life, I know I will never forget what Jose said, “Never let what you are unhappy about make [you] forget what you really have.”