Explain how your experience affected you as a person:
This experience has made me realize how rewarding a project like this can be and how close you can get with the people who help you. I am way more caring for people and a lot more grateful for what I have. It is nice getting to work with people who have the same goal as me.
How did you change?
It made me realize the amount of time and effort it takes to make a project this size run smoothly. There are many more moving parts and small details that I would've never realized were so important to the project as a whole. It is way more work than I ever would've expected but is so worth it in the end.
How do you see the world differently based on your experience?
This showed me that there are amazing people in the world. The people at my church were so excited and did not hesitate to make donations and offer help to me. It was incredible to watch people step up to help those who are less fortunate.
How did this experience impact or reveal your character?
I am normally a pretty shy person. This event forced me out of my comfort zone because I had to be able to communicate with people who were helping me with this project. I had to talk to many people I did't know, especially adults. This helped me realize that I can talk to anyone.
Was this a meaningful experience? Why or why not?
This experience was so meaningful to me. Helping families in need during Christmas and getting thank-you cards with pictures of little kids opening the presents we get them and being so excited is what this project is all about. It is so rewarding to know that you actually made a difference in someone else's life at a time when everyone just wants to be happy. Seeing the impact of our work on other people's lives is so humbling and make you feel so good. I am so happy I got the pleasure of leading this project.
What new knowledge or skills did you learn from this experience?
I really learned what it takes to be a leader. It takes a lot of motivating to make sure people achieve the tasks you give them so you can reach the common goal. Leaders have to be able to talk and listen to their helpers. At the same time, they must have the respect of their helpers, the kind of respect that’s earned by being honest, having integrity, and being tough but fair.
What would you do differently if you were to start over?
I don't think I would do anything differently. The event ran very smoothly. The challenges that came about were out of my control, but I feel that they helped teach me valuable lessons and showed me how to work through the problems.