My Tryst with Volunteerism

"My time as a volunteer has given me insights into my persona which otherwise would have remained hidden in the recesses of my retired life I have discovered a power within myself as well as personal limitations that were hitherto unknown My interactions with patients in varying stages of an incurable disease called cancer cultivated in me a vision that could comprehend, even if only for a second, the expanse of a human being s nature Interacting with often terminally ill patients, I developed an ability to look beyond the diseased body and discern the deeper nature of a human being Being a part of their lives, albeit for a short time each day, I gained their affection and became a part of their shared values and life experiences Despite their illness, I can say that they cheered me on, valued my presence and gave me a healthier outlook on life"