18. Fund raise for a cause and volunteer for change

I never knew this about me growing up. I always thought everyone felt this way naturally. Not to bash on America, but I was so shocked when I realized how “first world” America was and how not many people gave back to their community or to those in need, placing their materialistic needs as priorities. I am also guilty of this and catch myself very often whining about many things. That’s why I make efforts and go out of my way to place priority in giving back whenever I can, though I may have little. Sometimes, all I can offer is my time and nothing else. When I was living in Korea, there was this organization called Baby Box, where unwanted babies were abandoned by their mothers into this “Box” later named the Baby Box. I first saw a video that was going viral on Facebook, but when I saw that this Baby Box was located in Seoul, where I was living, I immediately called them and asked how I could be of service. I later found out my uncle had supported them financially long-term, and so I started visiting the church that had planted this box. The pastor at the church himself adopted the children that could not end up at orphanages, while he and his organization cared for the healthy babies until orphanages accepted them. I could not offer money, so I donated what I could, and offered my time to care for the infants, feed the adopted children and play with them. What started with a Facebook video, ended up as a commitment and dedication to something I was passionate about.

There was another time I was highly influenced by media. I once came across this Youtube video made by Jamie Foxx, remaking Michael Jackson’s We are the World, featuring over 80 artists and performers, who all came together to sing this song in advocating for the people of Haiti as they had just been devastated with an earthquake. Upon watching this video, I shared the video with all my friends, in which one responded that he knew someone who ran a Cholera clinic in Port-au-Prince. I immediately came up with the insane idea that I wanted to be a part of it and asked for his contact. I later found out that the director of the Cholera clinic also ran this organization called HIM HAITI, an NGO that helped rebuild Haiti by treating Cholera patients, reconstructing schools and water wells, and assisting orphanages. I applied, saved money on my own means and also raised money through a gofundme page, efforts that sent me to Haiti. I spent a couple weeks in Port-au-Prince that year and it was eye-opening. I can never forget what I experienced in Haiti and if you would like to know more, I will be glad to share. Let’s just leave it at that Haiti is always in need of attention and care. The people of Haiti should not be forgotten. I remember and appreciate everyone who supported me at that time, and I hope to return to Haiti one day.