I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D

Inspired.

Isn’t this the way it always happens? You volunteer for a job thinking you are helping but in the end you are the one left inspired and blessed more by the experience. Why do I always forget that when my heart is pulled to get involved but my head says you can’t possibly?

This year, I helped chair the “I Have a Voice” Gala along with some amazing women. And I was inspired by the experiences. Inspired by the courage these women have to fight for their children and their siblings with Down syndrome. Fighting to raise the bar, fighting to give them opportunities and fighting for awareness and yes, even acceptance in our community. They do this with hope, encouragement and love.

I was inspired by the GiGi U program as I assisted in two of their classes. The students were more alike than different from other students. There is the head of the class, the shy one, the talkative one, the too cool for school one … the main difference was the attitude of encouragement towards each other.  GiGi U is providing opportunities for students to learn past high school. The age range of the students in my classe were early 20’s to 55. They are learning about different cultures, about cooking and even job skills.  

The gala is over but my volunteering is not.  I am inspired to do more.