I have been a volunteer with Vibha for almost three years. I just recently signed on to be the Event Lead for this year’s Dream Mile 5K in Washington, DC. I’m ashamed to admit that I hesitated when I was initially asked to serve as the event lead. Did I have what it takes to successfully organize and execute an event of this scale? Am I willing to make this time commitment? Despite these initial self-doubts, I signed on to be the Dream Mile lead for Vibha DC, and the experience so far has been more rewarding than I could have ever thought possible. I have learned so much about myself – about my ability to inspire others to participate in the planning, about my project and time management skills and most importantly about my priorities.
One of my favorite expressions is “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I am very blessed to have lived a life of relative ease. Volunteering for Vibha is a way, albeit a small way, that I am able to give something back. As a teenager growing up in Virginia, my hardest decision was which college I would attend. According to one report, nearly 20% of children in India aged 6-14 have no access to primary education. These children have absolutely no say in whether they can even go to school because they have no access, and I was worried about which college I would attend? Something is wrong with this picture.
A wise man once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I encourage each one of you reading these words to be that change. It starts with you. If not you, who? And if not now, when? Have confidence in your ability to make a change. Whether it’s something as simple as volunteering at a booth for an hour or serving as an Event Lead for a flagship event like Dream Mile, you truly can make a difference. Fingers crossed for a successful Dream Mile in DC on August 15!