My Selfless Act

Selfless acts are things that make the world better and happier. I believe that you can tell a lot about someone’s personality by knowing if they are someone who is willing to help out, or just keep walking when they see someone in need. Many people may say that if they were put in a situation in which someone needed them, they would be the first to help. However, in most cases, this is not true of them. Last summer my girlfriend ran for athletic queen for our high school to raise money for the athletic teams of her choice. Cheerleading was one she chose, since she’s a cheerleader, and baseball was the other because she knew that my team needed the money as well. I did a camp over the summer for youth baseball leagues in the area as a fundraiser. During this time, I helped others, taught youth something I am good at, and was self-rewarded.

            Helping my girlfriend is something that I do all the time. However, in this case, she needed me to give up a lot of free time, be in the hot sun for hours, and try to teach little kids that like to whine a lot. Even though this may not sound thrilling, I didn’t think twice about it. Even though money was being raised, I wasn’t being paid and neither was she. We did this to help out the teams at our school. Helping her was my main concern, because she didn’t have to give any money to baseball. Also, I didn’t mind at all because I was doing what I love while helping everyone.

            I’ve played baseball since I was four years old. I remember being that little boy on the mound, feeling like I was on top of the world compared to everyone else on the field. I remember feeling like I had a mission to do, and had to impress everyone. Striking out the kid on the other team at the other end of the field was the most fulfilling feeling I could’ve asked for when I was a little tyke. As I started these camps, all of the miniature pitchers from the different teams would come running, excited to start. I realized I wanted them to feel the same way that I did. I wanted them to feel on top of the world and like nothing could stop them. We began the camps soon after the announcement was made that I had signed to play baseball at college, so the kids gave me full attention at all times and told me they wanted to grow to play baseball forever like I was going to. This feeling was enough in itself for me to have done the things that I did on those hot summer days.

            Spending my summer helping with the camps was probably the highlight of my summer, honestly. I wouldn’t have taken money if it was offered to me. Supporting my girlfriend who was willing to support the thing I loved was what got me to do it at first. After actually participating, I just wanted to help those kids better themselves and be able to help make their dreams come true. I played baseball all year every year on several different leagues most of my life. Money wouldn’t be worth being able to give back to those kids. I enjoyed every minute of this time by doing what I love and giving back.

            My motivation began as my girlfriend, helping her made me feel great every step of the way. We raised enough money for both the baseball team and the cheerleading squad to get new uniforms. Afterwards I felt even better because of getting to do what I love and helping teach young people with similar goals how to be better. These reasons were enough for me that I would not have wanted to be paid or receive any reward. A selfless act can sometimes help you more than it can the person you’re supposed to be helping.