http://cinch.blogtalkradio.com/3109066217

In my junior year of High School, I befriended a foreign exchange student from Japan. The entire first semester passed before I spoke a word to her, although I was intrigued to learn about her experiences. I suppose I assumed that our paths were too different to cross one another, or that there existed a communication barrier between us (I came to learn that her English, while flawed, was perfectly comprehensible).  I began to spend time with her in the class we shared, Political Behavior. A few students conversed with her, but not frequently, and they never offered their assistance. We were introduced when paired together to work on an assignment, and I worked with her frequently afterward, guiding her through the worksheets and summarizing the textbook. At Lunch, I was always happy to look over an assignment she received in English class and advise her accordingly. After I realized how much I had to offer (and how well my assistance was being received) I was thrilled to lend my support. It didn't hurt that she thanked me on a daily basis.

From this experience, I gathered that it is important to find ways to apply your talent and passion in life, as they are not only indicators of your interests, but of the positions you are available to fulfill. People will not always know to approach you for help, so you must be aware of when and where you can provide it. My passion for English encouraged me to open up to a girl I was initially too intimidated to communicate with. I advise others to seek out the opportunities for which they are best suited, even those that seem frightening or uncomfortable on the surface. If you can apply what you know to a new challenge, you can make considerable progress. You might even aid the progression of those around you, which can be equally fufilling. In short, I learned never be afraid to apply what you know and love; passion sets the wheels of discovery in motion.