The Power of Being Present by Kamryn

The Power of Being Present by Kamryn - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

Volunteering at my local YMCA has given me many opportunities to practice kindness and connect with people in meaningful ways. One experience in particular, during Senior Citizens Day, stands out as one of the most impactful moments I have had while volunteering. What began as a simple act of helping quickly turned into a reminder of how powerful compassion, listening, and presence can be in someone’s life.

During the event, my role was to assist with distributing refreshments, helping seniors find their seats, and spending time socializing with the guests who attended. Many of the seniors were excited to be there. Some came with friends, others came alone, but most seemed grateful for the chance to be in a welcoming and lively environment. As I moved from table to table offering drinks and snacks, I made sure to take a few moments to talk with each person, asking about their day and listening to their stories. At one of the tables, I met a woman who quietly sat by herself while others around her chatted. I introduced myself and began a conversation with her. At first, our discussion was light and casual. We talked about the event, the YMCA, and how she enjoyed coming when she was able to. As we continued talking, she shared something that stayed with me long after that day ended. She told me that she rarely receives visitors and often feels lonely because she has no family nearby. Most of her relatives live far away, and over time many of her close friends have either moved or passed on. She explained that days can feel very long when you spend most of them alone. Her honesty and vulnerability deeply touched me. It made me realize that while the event may have seemed small to some people, it meant much more to those who were seeking connection and companionship. In that moment, I understood that sometimes what people need most is not something complicated or expensive. Often, they simply need someone willing to sit with them, listen to them, and acknowledge their presence.

Since that day, I have made it a personal commitment to visit her at least once a week whenever my schedule allows. Our visits are simple, but they are meaningful. Sometimes we talk about her life and the memories she has from years past. Other times we talk about everyday things like television shows, hobbies, or what is happening in the community. Occasionally we just sit and enjoy a quiet moment together. While the conversations may seem ordinary, they serve as a reminder to her that she is not forgotten and that someone cares about her well-being.

Over time, I began to see how much these visits meant to both of us. For her, the time together helps break the loneliness that she experiences. For me, the experience has been a powerful lesson in empathy and humanity. It has taught me that kindness does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes the smallest actions, like giving someone your time and attention, can have the greatest impact.