The AWD program at the YMCA is swim lessons for kids and adults with disabilities. Once a week I volunteer to help each these swim lessons. AWD swimming has taught me to always be creative and never give up. Everyone is different and has different needs and abilities, and although it is hard to teach these kids, it is very rewarding to finally see them swim across the pool or perform a new synchronized swimming skill. I think AWD swimming classes are very important in our community because most of these kids with disabilities are not given opportunities, and it is not only important but also fun for them to learn to swim. I enjoy being able to make a difference in their lives and allow them to do something they might not have been able to previously do.

 When one of my best friends, Amelie, had a tumor in her brain, she was stuck in the hospital, so I called some of our friends to put together a gift basket to surprise her. She told us how much that helped her. She was sad and scared in the hospital, and we were able to cheer her up and show her she was loved. That is why together, she and I started a club at our high school, Cheering on Childrens, where we plan events to raise money to buy gifts for kids at Boston Children’s Hospital. My goal with this club is to help brighten up the days of hospitalized kids. A few things I have done to achieve this goal is organize themed fundraisers, create holiday cards, and buy gifts.