Helping hands bring about rich rewards

Our world is filled with people of different personalities, opinions, nationalities and genders. Every person brings something new to the world, and we need to embrace them all.

The “opportunities to help others” promise is crucial in embracing the world’s differences. By creating opportunities for youth to help people, we can stay safe, grow as individuals and learn from one another.

The golden rule says you should treat others how you would want to be treated. As a society, we need to realize that without an emphasis on how youth should care for others, this generation will just grow into a more selfish society and not create a philanthropic one, which, I believe, is needed for advancement.

For instance, a friend of mine whom I recently met at a leadership camp exemplifies the passion we need in our society to create opportunities to help others.

Cabernet was born and raised by a single impoverished mother who did not pay much attention to her children. Cabernet was not liked at school, and other children disrespected her. It was when Cabernet was introduced to a dance club at her school that she found her passion and her way to stand out. She danced her way to the top and began gaining experience and confidence in all aspects of her life. She was able to find the niche in her life that made her blossom.

With this newfound self-belief, Cabernet created a dance group for young children called Steppin. This club was a place not only for her to help others but also for these children to help one another as they gain confidence, leadership and trust.

Children soon joined to express themselves through dance. They created their own routines and performed them at competitions.

I admired Cabernet because she had the inner strength to overcome a tough childhood with dignity and a selfless attitude as she created an opportunity for many children to help others.

If we, as youth, can be a part of opportunities around the community to help others, we will be able to see the wonders that a simple smile, hug or a tear can bring, and this will help keep our youth safe and happy.