by Kiara Kabukuru
From my earliest years I have felt a responsibility to give to my community and to humanity. The idea of being the change you want to see in the world deeply resonates with me. The idea of loving your neighbor as yourself. The idea of all of us being one. The idea of passing on supportive habits to the youth. The practice of all these ideas is very fulfilling for me.
Charitable people/organizations have played a big part in my life. I was born in Uganda in a time of major unrest. When my family had to flee, fearing for our lives, there were two charities that helped relocate us to the States: Amnesty International and United Way. They assisted us by writing to Congress and making a petition for our immigration and general refugee resettlement.
In my culture, one has a responsibility to serve their elders and to teach the youngsters in serving all. There is this pervading idea of always being a gracious host to your fellow man. I remember as a kid being greatly influenced by my teachers, who took the time to make me feel I was important.
What I would like for people to see is that no effort is too small because if you assist one person, you assist humanity. The impact kindness has is ever so contagious and expansive. I now have the opportunity to impact thousands of people because of all the singular acts I received; in essence I am just passing on the good will. It starts now with you.
