TUESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2010 18:26

SHAMBHU SHARAN, THE SHORTHORN STAFF

When I was younger, I felt it was worthless to help others who refused or who were unable to help me.

As I grew older my attitude changed. I started to feel that helping others was my duty in life. I help by volunteering my time or money to those in need.

When I help others, it helps me develop the feeling of selflessness. When I think beyond myself and consider the needs of others, I tend to focus less on my own petty problems. My problems always seem less severe when I see some of the problems others face.

Several years ago when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, many people were displaced and some moved to Dallas. I was trained in relief by the American Red Cross, so I went to the Dallas Convention Center to help.

I helped the refugees there by distributing juice, fruits, clothes and water. While I was there, I also helped with the cleaning efforts around the center. It was a wonderful feeling, to be given the opportunity to help so many people in need. My personal reward was simple — seeing the smiles of the children and their parents.

People should try to help, even if they are not able to be physically present where the help is needed.

For example, in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, I could not be in Haiti to help with the disaster relief, so I organized a place in Richardson for people to stop and donate supplies and money. It was a cold and rainy weekend, but people still stopped to donate, and it felt good to be able to help even from far.

I volunteer my time in order to make a difference in the life of someone else. I volunteer my services in a variety of ways. Sometimes I give money, and other times I give my time and love to those in need.

We do so much for ourselves, we should do something for others as well.

— Shambhu Sharan is a journalism senior and a reporter for The Shorthorn