Compassion
by Carolina Trigueros
In this society, it is very hard to meet people who will
show compassion to those in need. I have always believed
that it is important to show compassion to others, however,
because that way, you give people hope. It is not enough
to be sympathetic or just understanding. You have to have
a deep understanding of what the other person is going through
and want, have a desire, to alleviate the pain.
I was born into a six-children, low-income household. Growing
up with five siblings, three of which are younger than me,
and seeing my parents struggle with working two jobs or
getting laid-off and still trying to make ends meet all
my life, has instilled in me the need to help others. All
my life I have always tried to help my parents by taking
care of my younger siblings. I help them with homework and
anything else whenever my parents aren’t home to do
it. Helping out has taught me to care for and think of others.
My compassion comes from my heartfelt desire to help others,
especially children. That is why, I decided to volunteer
at Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is an agency
serving children who are mostly from low-income and single
parent homes or families where a parent is incarcerated,
in my community. I was matched with a 7 year old girl and
became her mentor. I would go twice a week and get together
with her. At first, she was very shy and would hardly talk.
Over time, however, she opened up to me and we became really
good friends. I would help her with homework and other small
projects. And I helped her learn to be more outgoing. She
had trouble at home and I would listen and just talk to
her. Sometimes that is all a person needs, especially kids:
someone who will just listen to them and not brush off their
problems because they are children.
I have also volunteered at my elementary and middle schools.
At Willard Elementary School, I would go to a class room
in the mornings and help the teacher. I was like a student
aide and I really enjoyed it. I love working with children
and helping them learn. I also volunteered at Wilson Middle
School on Saturdays at the Pasadena Yes program, where children
can play different sports. I love encouraging children to
do their bests and help them learn to play. Sometimes playing
sports is the only way for kids to let go completely and
just have fun. I enjoy having a part in that. I like to
help children, not because I can get credit or ask for something
in return, I just love making children happy and helping
them succeed.
Showing compassion comes naturally for some people and not
for others. It is the people to whom it doesn’t that
one should show kindness to. By being kind to others, even
those who aren’t, you can show others to be kind and
show compassion. And by doing so, you can make our society
a better, easier place to live. A place where children can
have hope that they will succeed with the help of those
around them.
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