Throughout my life, my parents have habitually reminded me of

the saying you only get out of life what you put into it. While their
small moments of enlightenment were often in response to some minor
complaint Id made about a school assignment, I strive to be conscious
of this phrase on a grander scale. Too many times have I witnessed the
result of growing children in a life of overindulgence. Individuals should
not expect luxuries; rather, they should work to earn them. Similarly,
we should not await the world to grant everything we wish for but
instead recognize that we have the power to provide for others and
ourselves through hard work and service. This concept embodies the
reasoning that people live virtuously by aiding and giving to others
without thought of return or payment. Much like a literal gift, service to
others hinges on the belief that providing for someone else yields a
unique form of satisfaction in both the sincere gratitude individuals
express and simply the knowledge that your own contribution has
helped a community that struggles to help itself.
One man whom I recognize and admire for his whole-hearted
dedication to giving to others is Curtis Taylor. Ten years ago, Curtis
noticed that no one had a clear idea of what to do with the leftover
food from our church education dinners. Rather than throw the food
away, Curtis began taking the food to downtown Louisville and feeding
the homeless, quickly earning the nickname chicken-man for all the
times he brought fried chicken to the hungry people. At first, church
members didnt even realize where all the leftovers were going
emphasizing the fact that Curtis single goal was to feed people who
could not feed themselves, not seeking to tell others of his charitable
actions. I have, on multiple occasions, had the opportunity to volunteer
at Curtiss now thriving non-profit organization named Loaves and
Fishes, now serving over 200 plates weekly. Before working with Curtis,
I tended to believe volunteer work was only for the truly selfless.
Through my experiences, however, I have come to realize that
everyone has the ability to show genuine care for others. What Curtis
did was of no direct benefit to him, yet he was able to change the lives
of countless individuals and families who depended on him for at least
one meal they wouldnt have to worry about finding.
Loaves and Fishes, however, is one of many organizations
striving to bring care and support to those who need it. Today, Rotary
International leads the fight in eliminating Polio worldwide. This noble
objective brings relief to countless individuals throughout the globe.
This organizations gift of health enables people to live without fear of
Polios debilitating effects. As evidenced by the Rotarians second motto
One profits most who serves best, Rotarians understand and seek
the joy in giving to others and witnessing the positive changes that
service can create.
One way in which I dedicate myself to service is through my
participation in my Boy Scout troop. Since I was eleven years old, the

Boy Scouts of America have challenged me to live and represent the

Scout Oath throughout my life, part of which states, On my honor, I
will do my best, to help other people at all times. Through scouting,
Ive had the opportunity to give back to my community through
scouting for food, a food drive in which scouts go door to door
collecting cans, yard work, trail clean-ups, and many other serviceoriented programs. Not too long ago, I finally achieved the rank of
Eagle Scout, the highest award that a scout can obtain. The rank of
Eagle represents many years of skills training, leadership, and service.
In a way, the Boy Scouts of America has marked every scout who
reaches Eagle as prepared to use his knowledge and experiences to
give back to the world. One of the final requirements in reaching Eagle
is the completion of an Eagle Scout service project. For mine, I chose to
build a bordered, gravel picnic area with three picnic tables in a local
park. The picnic area was, in essence, a gift to my community for
everything its provided me. Additionally, each scout is responsible for
the expenses of his project, whether its through fundraisers or
donations. Ultimately, an Eagle Scout Project is the culmination of
everything a scout has learned and the beginning of a life directed
towards giving to others a life I hope to live.
Throughout our lives, the world will present us with opportunities
to share our gifts and to help others. When presented with these
opportunities, I urge you all to consider the philosophy that Loaves and
Fishes lives by: When you feed an empty stomach, you heal a troubled
mind. Likewise, when you give to and serve others, you cause
unimaginable amounts of change and healing. Meanwhile, you can
take delight in the knowledge of your contribution. Therefore, everyone
should strive to make his or her difference and be a gift to the world.
Thank you.