Even though I have the social skills of an alien coming to earth for the first time, I still have the urge to volunteer.

My hands were shaky, every noise startled me and I was extremely fidgety. The bumpy road snapped me back into reality as I realized we were at the place where my schools Interact group was volunteering, Watkins shelter in Phoenix. Usually I would hear the comforting words of my friends as we walked but not this time. I was alone. I could hear my friends voice in the back of my head saying “Come on Addy! Open up to new people!” Better said than done. As I worked up the courage to mutter a single hello to another volunteer, Mrs.Green’s loud yet soothing voice cut my own voice. In my head I screamed “Yes!” while smiling like the Chesire cat.

The comforting smell, the comforting look of the place as well as the comforting look of the people running the shelter welcome us with a wave of sunshine. As soon as we prepared their dinner people were rushing over to see what they were eating for supper today. As soon as they smelled the aroma of the meatloaf, their face lit up with happiness. When they saw the cake for dessert they exploded with excitement. There were people of all ages. Old, young and many kids.

They all took a cup of milk or juice that I had organized neatly. As they nodded and said “Thank you,” I softly muttered back “You’re welcome.” Kids were jumping for joy as their stomachs were filled with sweet cake and adults were enjoying having a regular conversation with other adults. It was like everything was perfect, but in reality some of them probably have back stories that could bring people to tears. A little girl walked over and stared at me. Silence. I looked over to people hoping to get help. No one came. She had a blue shirt as blue as the ocean. I mustered up all my courage and complimented her shirt. The little girl replied “Thanks. I like your blue sweater” then skipped off to find her mother. Later as I was cleaning up, the same girl was helping a little boy who had fell and was about to fill the room with his boisterous cry. I was in awe that she had more compassion than me despite her situation. Our living situations were vastly different and she was more compassionate than me. I was fortunate enough to have to go home top everyday while she is thankful for anything. I worked up the courage and finally had a small conversation with the little girl. Her name was Maggie and we had many things in common but mostly animals and interests in science. She wants to become a vet, a mature adult and own a huge house one day. I also had similar dreams when i was her age but now my dreams have changed. I left that place and was eager to return. I wanted to chat with more people, to learn about their dreams. Yet I can’t talk to my classmates in school.