It’s been a little over a year since I first heard about Playing For others. My two friends, Gabriella and Julia, had joined and were talking about the upcoming songwriting competition. Since I don’t write music or play an instrument I didn’t really think anything more about it. But it wasn’t until I went to the songwriting competition and the play HONK did I really find out what PFO was about. Yes, I had heard about what Playing for others did, but seeing it in person is entirely a different experience. For the first time in a long time I saw a group of teenagers that not only wanted to change and impact their community, they were actually doing something about it. It was then that I knew I wanted to be a part of PFO.
After I found out I had been asked to be a part of Playing For others I was thrilled. I was even more thrilled when I met all the other people in Playing For Others. Everyone has been so kind and accepting and it truly has challenged me to go out of my way when I’m not at a PFO event to do the same.
At the retreat they revealed which committee we would be a part of for the upcoming year, I was put on the winter ball committee. To be honest I was a little apprehensive about being in the winter ball committee seeing as I’m not much of the planning type. But once we started getting to work I can’t even explain how much I enjoyed it! We were all challenged to contact spaces as well as use our creativity for decoration and theme ideas, which stretched me.
Although I would have to say that my favorite thing about Playing For Others is the buddy program. I remember when Jen counted down the seconds till we could open our letter and find out who our buddy would be for the year. My letter revealed my buddy and her several interests which I soon found out were passions. My buddy Caroline has cerebral palsy, which in her case means she has limited movement in her legs. However Caroline doesn’t let this affect her at all, she plays baseball and football and wears the most inspiring smile while she is doing anything. I never thought that a nine year old would have such an impact on my life but Caroline has inspired me more than any other human being. I don’t think of Caroline as someone with cerebral palsy, I think of her as talented and fierce girl who wears her walker as an accessory.
Playing for Others has truly helped me break out of my comfort zone and apply my talents to better myself and the community. I am truly grateful for this experience and Jen for making it possible.
