I was privileged to have been at a luncheon on Friday commending the service of teens and the non-profit organizations they served in their year of research and service. These teens had a requirement for community service to complete, and a related capstone projects to write, but many took the project to new levels. Those in the room representing non-profits felt that not only had their service organization been helped by the teen, but that the teens were changed. It was apparent from stories from leaders in the community and teachers who witnessed the partnerships, that they became not just one of mere volunteers, but were a true individual presence felt by their organization. By capturing the spirit of the work done by students in projects, their words and often video-montages seemed to bring the passion these non-profit leaders wish they could bottle up and show everyone who seeks to volunteer or donate. It was apparent the teens brought immense thoughtfulness and background the organizations through their research and felt the zeal that many non-profit leaders recognize as a driving force in why they began their work in the first place.
I was sure my heart might burst from the love in the room. The seeds of service were not only planted in the teens who were part of these partnerships, but were blooming already. And with adulthood not far into the future, that means great things lie ahead for those seeds to be harvested. Makes me just look to the future with hope.
