Youth Forward Scholarship 2018
My contirbution - a small way to give back
Rishabh Midha
Monmouth Junction, NJ
School senior, Captain of his high school swim team, proud of the
many medals that he has gathered over the number of years in this
sport- something young budding swimmer would dream of..
Well, that was my
dream growing up, but I had to fight many battles with my health,
search for answers for my lean body type, and compete with swimmers
twice my size and body weight. But I stuck to my dream, one coach to
another till I found the right match, and finally I guess I stated to
figure it out, and stated seeing the fruits of my hard work.
As I was
practicing for a swim meet one day, I saw what I can say a replica of
myself in the pool– only many years younger. I saw the anxiety, the
dream and the confusion in his eyes, and it became my mission to help
him out. And I did –and not only for that little boy, I started
giving my time to many boys and girls – individually helping them
with their technique, with managing school work and swim practice,
diet, everything that would help them succeed as a swimmer and as an
athlete. I started devoting more and more time at the local swim
place, my coach encouraged me – and I spent 4-6 hours every week
for over 2 years, making sure I can give my very best to help the
young boys and girls. My most rewarding moment was when one day after
a swim meet, a young boy took me to his parents and told them the he
wanted to be like me one day. I had tears and my eyes, and told him
that one day he should be even better than me!
Apart from
volunteering at the local swim, I also volunteer at a local pet
shelter, which is where we rescued our dog form, and I go there 2
hours a week to help at that shelter.
Giving back in any way to the community is a very humbling
experience, and I will continue to do so wherever I go.
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