Ever since I, then a three or four year old child, became aware of cameras, I was

constantly itching to be on screen. It was really more a compulsion than it was an actual desire to

perform. Our home videos reveal the wide range of my repertoire: from comedic A Capella

singing, to philosophical insights on trains and dinosaurs. Music was by far my biggest forte. I

was especially captivated by an Australian children’s musical group called the Wiggles and

memorized every song by heart. Naturally, I had to share my talent with the family so I gave

daily performances; singing and dancing my renditions of notable classics like “Wake up Jeff”

and “Lights, Camera, Action.”

I came to realize, though, that all of those times in front of the camera were not about the

satisfaction of getting attention, it was about the satisfaction of making my audience happy. After

every performance, they would clap, cheer, smile, and laugh. To me, knowing that I had made

my family proud and that they were able to leave every show smiling was very rewarding. In my

own adorable way, I managed to help others feel better and that was incentive enough for me to

continue turning in show after show.

As I aged and matured, a new plethora of opportunities to help people opened up,

allowing me to be more direct in my efforts. I started by trying my hand at volunteering at my

local library, making sure that the bookshelves were all in order. Each book I had to rearrange

was done with utmost care and a cheesy grin. It was really just a minor task, but this at the time

being the most altruistic deed I have done to date, I never felt more important. The days spent at

the library facilitated my innate desire to help and gave me a look at what will motivate me in the

future. Other ventures came with time: playing in piano recitals for retirement homes and

churches, joining an environmental club that cleans our school district, and most recently,

volunteering at a hospital. With each new activity came a greater capacity to serve a purpose and

with that, my enthusiasm for helping others only grew more avid. Of course, these activities

brought me a good deal of fun and excitement, but like my past self, nothing mattered more than

seeing that I was able to make a positive impact on my community.

After every shelf reorganized, every concert performed, every load of bottles recycled,

and every patient guided to the surgical center, I felt the need to do more. The smiles and thanks

I were given did not just show what I have accomplished, they reminded me of what I am

capable of doing. They are my motivation to continue seeking opportunities and inspire me to

live up to my true potential.

Just over a decade has passed since I last starred in a home video. But the reason why I

kept on performing, the reason why I loved being in front of the camera remains relevant today.

My passion for helping is what compels me to strive for my future and knowing that I have

genuinely performed a good deed is the true reward. Sometimes, the best way to make yourself

happy is to bring happiness to others.