By Caroline Bandigan
In our world today, at every corner I turn, I see negativity. With the recent events of the Paris attacks, the constant threat of terrorism, and the increase of police brutality, it’s hard to find positivity in it all.
As a society, we tend to focus on prevention and counterattacks. But what we forget to do is to learn how to make things better – to be a more unified global community.
One of the value statements of Pax Christi Metro New York is solidarity with the most vulnerable in society. I believe that the most vulnerable people of society are the people we sometimes often forget and overlook: the homeless and elderly. By assisting the homeless and elderly, teenagers can make a positive difference.
When I joined Lasallian Youth last year, I became more involved in service than I ever imagined. One of my first Lasallian service projects, Random Acts of Kindness, gave me the opportunity to go to the city and hand out food to the homeless.
I realized that the homeless never know from whom, where, or when their next meal is coming. On the surface, it seems to be only providing them with something to eat, but underneath, it gives them hope to live for another day. The simple gesture shows to others around that they should have faith in humanity because everyone has a guardian angel, whether they know it or not.
I have also participated in community service with the elderly. Sometimes the elderly live alone, are afraid to explore the outside, or are sick. Through visiting them, even for the smallest gestures of delivering holiday gifts, it reminds them that there is someone who cares.
As a part of the next generation, we’re responsible for the future of the world, of society, and the next generation. But society makes it difficult for us by stereotyping young people as troublemakers. Adults often overlook our talents and desires to impact the world around.
My dedication and time as a teacher’s assistant in a CCD Program and martial arts dojo, not only break this stereotype, but also have proven to me that it’s possible to build a more peaceful world by starting with children.
I serve as a role model for the kids by teaching them to give back to their community, to love one another and make the right decisions. By being a good example for others to follow, younger kids will strive to do the same, thus making the world a better place for the next generation to live.
Community service matters to me because for the last seven years of my life, it has been a key part in shaping who I am today. To me, community service is more than helping others without expecting something in return; rather, you want to help others, not because you have to. I feel that it’s one of the simplest ways to bring light, love and peace to the world when the days are dark.
Editor’s Note: A version of this essay was submitted to Pax Christi Metro New York for the 2016 Maloof Family Young Peacebuilder Award.
Bandigan will study nursing at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.