New Perspectives

Alexa Spolane, a junior at The Emery/Weiner School, had a viewpoint-shifting experience while volunteering. (Photo: Alan Ross Photography)

My wake-up call occurred during a philanthropy job set up through National Charity League. National Charity League is a mother/daughter organization that helps others who are in poverty or who have special needs in the Houston area. I was asked while in the sixth grade to join this organization, and since then, my 12-year-old perspective of the world has changed dramatically.

We take things for granted, and sometimes we need a wake-up call to realize how grateful we are for the life that was given to us. As mentioned above, my moment came while serving ice cream at The Brookwood Community, for adults with special needs. Before I went I wondered what type of impression I would make on the residents.

I look back and wonder why I was so concerned about their affection toward me because they turned out to be the kindest, humorous and most loving people I have ever met. They did not seem to care about any different perceptions of them, but focused on bringing smiles to the faces of others.

After serving ice cream, my mom and I decided to go to the community’s gift shop. We learned that each adult creates her or his own art piece by hand and sells the art to make a financial contribution to the facility. My mother and I were impressed by the handmade sculptures, so we decided to buy one for our own house. As we were heading home with our heart-shaped ceramic bread basket, I noticed something at the bottom. It was the initials of the individual who created it. The initials read “D. J.” Every time I pass by that bread basket in my kitchen, it is a reminder of how meeting the Brookwood residents changed my outlook on my life.

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