Community Service, Filipino Style

To be honest, I’m not sure what I expected going into the 9/11 Day of Service. All of the other groups participating through the Mason Service Council were working for local or national causes and were organizing the usual (but effective) means of service. There were quite a few stations for crafting as well as food and clothes donation efforts. However, no one was putting on a basketball tournament. Or a karaoke party. Let alone one for children halfway across the world. So I’ll be honest, I was pretty nervous. But as the day progressed, I became more and more glad that we put in the effort to make this event what was, in my opinion, a success. Admittedly, we did not raise as much funds as we initially hoped that we would. But we did meet countless other students willing to support our cause, whether it be because of their Filipino roots, their love for children, their desire to serve others, or any other reason that I can’t think of at the moment. But to meet so many kind individuals was a wake-up call I desperately needed. Between working for class and extra-curricular activities while trying to keep up with the drama of friends or family, I can very easily forget that the world I live in is infinitely larger than the world that I know. It’s easy to forget how kind complete strangers can be, but the 9/11 Day of Service reminded me just how supportive our community really is. When trying to help those who have suffered through displacement, it’s pretty tough to believe that sending them ‘support’ is just as helpful as sending them money. But try thinking of it this way; how many times have you passed someone homeless on the street and kept walking? I can guarantee \ that you aren’t the only one who’s done it. Now pretend that, even if you have no money to give, you at least give a smile. Maybe say hello, or explain why you can’t help but express genuine sympathy regardless. And everyone else has the same idea too. At first it sounds like we just have a lot of people saying hello to someone homeless but not actually giving anything substantial. But think of how much easier it is to solve a problem when everyone is willing to acknowledge that it actually exists? What I’m trying to say is that, the way that I see it, sending money abroad isn’t the only way to have a successful community service event. Without a doubt, the funds can help provide supplies the children of Tambayan desperately need. But I like to imagine that this attention they’ve received today will grow in strength and size until we no longer need to send patch-work funds to solve problems that can be permanently fixed by proper national or local initiations. Sometimes your love is worth more than any amount of money could ever buy.