A Personal Reflection
Over the past few years at Impartial, I’ve been deeply moved by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who have stepped forward to contribute their time and talents. Their collective generosity has been nothing short of transformative. Without these individuals, our organization simply would not exist in its current form. This extraordinary outpouring of support has challenged my preconceptions about human nature and opened my eyes to the profound impact of volunteer service.
My astonishment at this generosity of ones’ precious time likely stems from my upbringing. While my parents were exceptional in countless ways, volunteering wasn’t emphasized in our family culture. My brief experience with Girl Scouts represents my only significant childhood connection to service. Reflecting on this absence now brings a sense of missed opportunity. With perspective, I recognize how limited my exposure was to the volunteer world.
Among Impartial’s remarkable volunteers, Salil stands out as exemplary. When he first approached me seeking opportunities to contribute, I was immediately struck by his rare combination of technical skill, commitment and intellectual curiosity. Where knowledge gaps existed, he demonstrated an eagerness to explore solutions rather than retreat or give up.
I initially asked him to collaborate on enhancing our website, joining a team member who had already begun the project. Salil integrated seamlessly, and progress was steady until unexpected circumstances arose. His teammate received a new professional opportunity and had to withdraw from the project. Coincidentally, at that same time, Salil himself had secured employment that required relocation across the country within a week of his graduation. Add to this the imminent arrival of his parents from overseas for an extended visit, and I naturally assumed our project would at best be placed on indefinite hold or dropped entirely.He did neither.
Instead, Salil outlined a detailed plan to bring the project to completion despite these competing demands. His commitment has been unwavering. When obstacles emerge, he analyzes options, develops solutions, and communicates his approach with clarity and confidence. We simply move forward, addressing each challenge methodically.
Salil embodies the essence of extraordinary volunteerism. Beyond mere task completion, he maintains his intellectual curiosity, preserves with his sense of humor through difficulties, and demonstrates remarkable perseverance. Individuals like Salil inspire profound admiration, and I often wish I could identify such exceptional volunteers from our initial interactions. I invest considerable energy in supporting our volunteers and interns, striving to create genuinely reciprocal relationships. Salil’s dedication reinforces my commitment to this approach.
Not everyone is naturally inclined toward volunteer service. Some prefer financial contributions, while others remain disengaged entirely. There exists a pervasive assumption that “someone else” will address societal needs. The reality is that without individual action, critical needs often remain unmet, sometimes with irreversible consequences. My conviction is that those who consistently bypass opportunities to serve may eventually experience regret similar to my own reflection on my limited volunteer engagement during childhood. You really are missing out.
Perhaps the most profound revelation from my volunteer experience has been the perspective shift it engenders. Focusing on alleviating others’ challenges creates a remarkable recalibration of one’s own concerns. Problems that once seemed overwhelming diminish considerably when contextualized against the fundamental struggles others face.
This reorientation cultivates gratitude at an entirely different magnitude.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the transformative nature of service, I offer this reflection: the opportunity to make a difference is uniquely precious. While no one can force your participation, declining chances to contribute your unique abilities toward meaningful causes may eventually become a source of regret. The question isn’t whether you can do something, but whether you’re willing to do something with the capabilities you possess for those whose needs exceed their resources.
