<p>Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.</p>
<p>Many climb Mt. Everest or journey to an Ashram in Tibet to discover themselves; for me the answer was much closer. I packed my bags with bug spray under the illusion of an altruist, giving up a week of my summer to camp with behaviorally and emotionally challenged children. By the weeks end, I was covered in mosquito bites and had developed a totally different perspective. Amongst many other things, this experience taught me philanthropy is a gift, not only for the beneficiary, but also for the humanitarian.
Growing up with a strong sense of civic duty, I have volunteered with various organizations, but it was Camp Discovery that led me on the path of my own self-discovery. Learning that I could enhance my already extrovert tendencies and override my inhibitions gave me a sense of self-assurance. Never before would I burst out in song in public; that was strictly reserved for the shower, mainly out of consideration for those around me. At the camp, however, I found myself uninhibited; I even performed in the talent show in front of campers and peers. I remarkably was at ease. This nonjudgmental environment was a phenomenal experience for the campers as well as myself. I realized that taking a step out of my comfort zone is not only constructive, but extremely beneficial.
Letting go of my inhibitions was just one of my obstacles. As a society we subconsciously judge people on a superficial basis and congregate accordingly. By being stripped of all the material trappings and technology that tend to divide us, we were forced to get to know each other without any preconceptions of wealth and status. At Camp Discovery everyone lived in the same rustic conditions and went into it with nothing more than T-shirts, soap, and bug spray. Everyone was required to leave all modern technologies at home. I have to admit, I was apprehensive at the thought of living without my cell phone, ipod, and computer. Telling teenagers they cannot text, watch television, or go on Facebook for a week is, well let me put it this way, it would be easier to give up oxygen. In retrospect I can honestly say it was an eye-opening experience for me. Looking back over the week, there was not a moment that I missed any one of my possessions. In fact it was quite the opposite; I realized what I believed to be necessities were not necessities at all. That time usually spent wired was instead dedicated to conversing, laughing, and playing. This allowed me to create a personal bond with my camper, Eryn. I realized how I used to squander precious time consumed by material assets instead of using it in a more effective and worthwhile way.
This was my first experience at a sleep-away camp, and it was reassuring to have this successful experience on my own before I transition to a University. That week I not only thrived on my own, but I took on the role of a mother, a teacher, and a counselor, as well. Twenty-four seven I was required to put Eryns needs before my own; whether it was two a.m. bathroom calls or playing her favorite game for the millionth time. And rather then begrudge the completely dependent relationship, I found it to be the most rewarding experience of my life. It was not until the end of the week that I realized the impact I had on her and the depth of the bond we had formed. Upon leaving the emotion that overcame me as she ran up and hugged me, sobbing, is indescribable. Nothing is more gratifying than seeing your impact on someone elses life, knowing your good deed has had even a small affect on someone less-fortunate.
I returned home with a whole new mindset. After taking away the outlet of technology and the restrictions of inhibitions, I am now able to experience life on a deeper and more personal level. Not hung up on frills and criticism, I am able to explore my capabilities. I did not climb to the highest altitude or travel to the origins of inner peace, I merely volunteered, but I was profoundly impacted and enlightened. This experience was just one step down my path of self-exploration.</p>