The most difficult part of this experience was the sewing itself. I struggled with how accurately I could stitch the image on the pillow and how well everything held together. One of the techniques I learned was the half-backstitch, which helped make my stitching more durable.

Something I learned about myself through this activity was how much I actually enjoyed it. Sewing while listening to music was calming—it helped me focus and relax. Afterward, I realized how fulfilling it felt not only to help friends but also to help people I might never meet.

No one had ever given me this perspective before, but while working on the pillow, I found time to reflect and simply think. As a result of this experience, I gained a new skill—sewing with a needle and thread—that I believe I’ll carry with me for a long time. It’s a skill I now know will come in handy, even just for repairing something I’ve ripped in the future.