Students contribute to something bigger
"Nothing is so contagious as example; and we never do any great good or evil which does not produce its like," a French author once said. Today, as Americans honor the men and women who dutifully served their country, citizens should take time to look at the example that these faithful veterans have set before them. These veterans made their sacrifices and held fast to a common goal: to serve their country.
From big commitments, such as fighting overseas, to smaller ways of helping out, such as cleaning up your local park, there is always an opportunity to serve. Every little bit of service eventually adds up.
At Faith Christian High School, students are encouraged to take time to lend a hand. They understand that by putting forth effort, they can make an incredible impact on the well-being of others. As young, able and creative teens, we are in our prime to contribute.
Frances Childers, a freshman, helps at the food bank her mom is in charge of at their church.
"When I volunteer each week, I see people come in who really do need help supporting their family's food and hygienic needs. Some are even homeless. It makes me realize just how blessed I am to have all of the extra stuff that I don't need when some people barely have enough to get by," she said.
Volunteering has a powerful effect on our hearts. When you give of yourself, you receive something in return — perhaps simply the deeper knowledge that you are capable of making a difference.
As at many schools, volunteering is prevalent throughout FCHS. For example, students serve at the Woman's Friend banquet each year, and many help out locally at the river bottoms while others go on mission trips throughout the world.
Senior Taylor DeBeer, one student who served on a mission trip this past summer, said volunteering is "contributing to something bigger."
In addition, last December, there was a shoe drive orchestrated by a few passionate students.
Morgan Trimble, a senior, fronted the shoe drive. When asked how she felt about community service, she threw back a question.
"What kind of footprints are you leaving behind? Giving my time to collect shoes is the least I can do for my community," she said. Morgan will hold another shoe drive this winter, noting that the more she serves, the better she gets at it.
"Practice makes perfect," she said.
As the holidays approach and people desire to share the "holly jolly" attitude, other students are already planning ways they can contribute to their community.
But today, let us celebrate the veterans — the ones who dedicated a lifetime of service in every season. Let us look at their example and make sacrifices — be it time, money or talent — to put our strength and efforts toward a greater cause. Let us serve in our community, country and even abroad.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. ... You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."
Today, let us be great.
Courtney Taylor is a junior at Faith Christian High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.
