Were you able to get out of bed unassisted this morning? Where you able to make and eat breakfast? Did you get into a car and drive to work? Have you ever stopped to think what would it be like if you suddenly lost all control over your body and had to be assisted in all of these everyday activities?

Honestly, I can say that I didn’t spend too much time thinking about it, unless I was complaining about it but that changed once I started working for a local nonprofit, called Athletes Serving Athletes. ASA specializes in helping physically and mentally disabled Athletes participate in mainstream running events. ASA is an amazing organization that serves all of their Athletes through their WingMan Program. The WingMan program provides ASA Athletes with a running jogger, a team full of WingMen, and a race that the whole team must finish together.

Having served as a WingMan and getting to know most of the WingMan volunteers, we almost all agree, that the program is design to give its Athletes the feel of what it is like to participate and be a part of a team. It’s often the WingMan who feel like they benefit the most from the experience.

My time working for ASA has come to an end, but my work in the nonprofits sector will continue at Calvert Hall. I recently accepted a position in the Advancement Office. I’m extremely excited to work for another organization that puts the people that it serves first.

I have really enjoyed working for nonprofits because I get to see the direct impact of my work. Nonprofits have created relationships and opened many doors for me. My experience with them has started to come full circle by returning to Calvert Hall. I am blessed to have the opportunity to come back home and provide others with a similar experience.

Being able to see the significance of my work through the Athletes of ASA, to the students of Calvert Hall, gives me the motivation to not just do my job well but to live life well. I encourage everyone to get involved with a local nonprofit. I can promise you that the sense of accomplishment you will get from helping others, is unlike anything else. Not only will you benefit others, but you will benefit as well.