Friendship Circle

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

...Well, I will start off where I saw myself.  My life was pre-planned and I was unstoppable.  Shortly after my 4-year degree I would launch my career and climb my way up the ladder.   I envisioned moving to any logical place other than Michigan and  start a "new life."  Obviously, with the economy and high unemployment rates, I had a few uncontrollable setbacks.   Between getting rejected from interviews, feeling bad for myself (and others) & companies not hiring- I knew what I was looking for was bigger than a job. Up until this point of my life I hadn't really experienced rejection.  The idea of wanting something SO bad and having absolutely no control of the outcome is a very scary feeling. Thank G-d for the struggles that I had to endure upon gradation, as it led me on a path to self righteousness, morals and values, and a strong sense of community.  I'm talking about volunteering. Yes, we all had to do it to fulfill our mitzvot and become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or complete X amount of hours for Health Ed in High School.  But this was different. This time it was MY decision, I wasn't forced and because of that I was so excited to embark on this new chapter in my life.   I became a professional volunteer at a variety of places: the Jewish Federation specifically in the Young Adult Division, Fleischman Residence as a leader in Jewelry Class and Bingo Calling, JFS helping with marketing materials, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter in Community Relations, and last but certainly not least the Friendship Circle with Friends@Home and Torah Teens... WOW, that's a mouthful. Amazingly, every nonprofit organization taught me a different lesson way beyond my years.  Whether I'm beading a necklace with Eve at Jewish Senior Life or going-round and round- on the Merry-Go-Round at FC's Summer Camp with Travis at the Toledo Zoo- I learned the value of patience.  Staying calm and collective and understanding the needs of the very special people at the Friendship Circle has taught me a tremendous deal about the relationships I hold with my very own friends and family. This is what I didn't see myself doing. Volunteering. Doing outreach. Helping others strive to their potential. What's better than just experiencing it for myself is experiencing this feeling with hundreds of other young adults in SE Michigan who are still in high school.  Who are gaining this leadership role at such a young age.  The young adult Volunteer Recognition Event was so wonderful because we truly got the insight into the families and mothers of these special children.  We know we are doing a good deed and are developing a friendship, yet we are completely unaware of the impact we have in the lives of these children. To gather up, - "Where do I see myself in 5 years?" - What I know for certain is I will continue to volunteer and give back to others who are in need.  These children who act up or these 90 year old ladies who can't see all need a friend and if it's not you or me....who's it going to be?