College Essay: How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community

            Everyday things seem to be getting worse – prices are going up, while jobs are going down. Many families are having difficulty providing enough food or clothing for their children. This era is being labeled the “Second Depression.” Now, more than ever, we need hope.

Many people believe that attitude is everything, and this is certainly the case. If people were to just give up, the United States’ economy would collapse causing a chain reaction. Hundreds of thousands of peoples’ lives would be ruined in America alone, not to mention the people in foreign counties who depend on United States’ trade. For us, giving up is not an option. My generation has a chance to bring back another Golden Era to the United States, and this will begin with the simplest of ingredients: optimism.

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, optimism is defined as “the belief that good ultimately prevails over evil” or “the tendency to take the most hopeful view of matters” (453). In my life, I have scarcely been called an optimist – pessimist or realist are adjectives much more frequently used. Referring back to the first definition provided by Webster, I do believe that I am an optimist. I truly think that by the end of every situation things will work out for the best. If things are not all right, then it is not over.

As I said before, attitude is everything – in sports, in work, and even in relationships. If you go into any situation thinking the worst, you are already beating yourself. But, if you approach things with a confident and hopeful attitude, things will seem to be in your reach.

Smiling is just one way to improve not only your attitude, but others’ attitudes as well. There is nothing better than when a stranger smiles and wishes you a good day. Genuine kindness is something that is hard to come by these days. You never know how someone is feeling and a simple smile could completely change their pessimistic view. I know it sounds insignificant, but smiling is the first step to spreading the “good vibes.” Smiles are infectious; you can affect someone’s attitude for the better by merely flashing them your teeth. Your smile could potentially cause a chain reaction of happiness and optimistic views.

Community service is another way to benefit the community while spreading your optimism. Throughout high school, I have participated in four major community service projects. Two of these projects were soup kitchen field trips. Another project was when a group of students went to a local school for handicapped young adults. The final, and perhaps the most beneficial project, included a trip to a Detroit park.

The soup kitchens were quite an experience. It was one of the first times that I had ever been exposed to poverty. I knew it existed, but I didn’t realize the severity and heartache that was so prevalent along with it. All we did was sort food and then hand it out to anyone who needed it. It was a rather simple task, taking little effort, but the reaction was worth tenfold the effort necessary. The receivers were so courteous and grateful it warmed my heart. The fact that these people are in such difficult situations and are still able to smile is amazing.

When I volunteered to help out at the handicapped school, I didn’t realize what an impact it would have on me. These people are so innocent and sincere. They were put some one of the worst situations possible, and there’s nothing they could do about it, yet they continue to smile and be happy anyways. It may because they don’t know any better, but I think it is one of the most beautiful things in the world. All we did was play games with them, but you could see in their eyes how truly happy it made them. That was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.

The final community service project that I participated in involved planting trees in a Detroit park. It was laborious work, but when we were done, the before and after was a stunning contrast. This trash-plagued lot turned into a family friendly hang out after only a few hours. All it took was a few shovels and a group full of kids wanting to spread the joy.  

There is so much good in the world, but people are too busy to see it. If they could just stop for five minutes they would see how beautiful everything really is. Optimism is a remarkable quality and the key to success.