How I choose to make a difference

Just today, I heard my mom scolding my neighbor’s son for not doing what he was told to do. At first I was like, “Why is she doing that?” but after thinking about how my neighbors also used to correct me anytime I did wrong, I kept quiet. It also reminded me that the community plays a huge role in raising kids, which was a real thing back then as compared to now.

There are so many ways of giving back to the community. Others give money, clothes, food, and I could go on and on. But the one I’m very familiar with is raising kids. One thing I realize that my mom loves to do is to be with kids, maybe because she’s an early childhood teacher. Or maybe it’s just a thing with mothers because you’ll never see me scolding any kid in my neighborhood for doing the wrong thing.

Anyway, let’s move from my mom and come to me. If I’m being honest, there are actually so many ways I give to my community. But I’m going to just talk about my favorite, which is being law-abiding and patriotic. You see, people talk about development and charity work and so many things, but for me, I think one of the biggest things you can contribute to your community is to just be a law-abiding and patriotic member.

I’m talking about not littering around your neighborhood, engaging in communal labor, going to community meetings, and all the other things focused on making your community a great place to be. Someone might wonder why, of all things, that’s what I would like to talk about.

Well, as I said, if you have money and whatever to give, please don’t hesitate, but the most important thing to give to your community is to serve as a member of the community, and that’s what I do. I’m not even judging anyone, but you know what I find weird? When someone doesn’t mind giving money to the less privileged in his community but doesn’t show up for community activities or doesn’t even abide by community laws. It almost feels like the reason behind the cash they give is to clear their conscience.

There are so many ways you can give to your community. It doesn’t always have to be money. I mean, if you can give in cash then fine, but I think we are so focused on giving money to the extent that we’ve forgotten one of the important things the community needs us to be. You could literally just live your life as a lawful and active community member, and that will also be your way of giving to your community.