Contributed by Lexi, ASB Participant from Georgia
I still don’t really have the right words to say about my ASB experience. It’s been incredible, fun, inspiring, & also at times very challenging. I believe the events of the past week have given me a lot to think about, and it’s made me think of how I can be the change in my own community.
The people I spoke with this week, the kids who shared their stories, the service we completed, and every awkward joke in between showed me a lot about diversity & acceptance. This week showed me that no matter where you are, where you come from, or how much the odds are against you, you are capable of doing great things. It’s shown me to always treat others as equals, because a “different” type of person can be an incredible type of person.
Most importantly, this week has shown me hope & love. It’s shown me love in a hopeless place while also showing me hope in a loving place. It’s given me hope for a better tomorrow, a hope to be the change in my community. It’s shown me agape love that I will be able to reciprocate throughout my life. I’ve seen love between people from different areas, different backgrounds, different majors, and different organizations (not only the individuals from the other schools and the volunteers, but also among by own group).
Being in a place of hate only caused us to love more. Being in a place of segregation only made the need for diversity stronger. Being in a place that seemed hopeless showed me hope. Feeling these things, and being able to better understand all the different opinions will all help me grow into a more loving, more inspired, and more thoughtful individual.
