More Than a Meal by Laney

More Than a Meal by Laney - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

A couple of friends and I recently volunteered at a local soup kitchen. Honestly, even though we technically "volunteered", we were actually required as part of being members of the National Honor Society. I come from a modest, middle-class family, and have always been fairly sheltered. I attend a small high school, with very few violence, drug or behavior problems. My parents are not wealthy by any means, but I have never gone hungry. Needless to say, this early morning Saturday endeavor was quite enlightening for me!
As I prepared food for the afternoon meal, I really had no idea how to prepare for what I was going to experience. All that I knew was we were preparing large amounts of brussel sprouts, stuffing and chicken.
Once we completed the food preparations, we opened the doors to hundreds of people of all ages. For two hours, we served people who were so grateful for that warm, home-cooked meal. I knew that for many, it would be there only one for the day.
After lunch, my friends and I cleaned that kitchen from floor to ceiling. Instead of being grossed out or bothered by wiping walls and mopping floors, I felt grateful for the experience. Instead of thinking, "Wow, these people are lucky that I could help out", I knew was the lucky one! This opportunity humbled and grounded me like no other. I was so moved by the people I met that I decided to go back regularly! Each month, I plan to go back to serve, and I hope to take more friends with me, too!