Statement Of Purpose: Upper Level Basketball

Recently I have had the opportunity to volunteer with an organization called, “Upper Level Basketball”. It is a program through First Baptist Church in Hot Springs Arkansas that offers a basketball league to boys and girls with various developmental disabilities and special needs. Prior to volunteering I had no idea what this opportunity would entail, and quite frankly I felt underqualified for the job at hand. At that time I was struggling emotionally and wondering of my purpose in life, so when this opportunity to volunteer presented itself I thought it would be a good way to shift my focus from myself onto others. The first night of volunteering I was nervous because I had virtually no experience communicating with children who have special needs, as well as very little basketball experience. Upon arriving I was told
It would be hard to choose which country in Africa to visit, maybe Nairobi, Kenya, or Ethiopia. The stories and pictures of Africa that I have seen and heard depict these beautiful people who are rich with joy and gratitude. I am often perplexed that even though much of Africa is considered “third-world”, Africans often appear to be among the most grateful and content people. I want to experience the joy, love, and culture of the people I have heard of in the stories of my aunt and uncle who serve as missionaries in Africa. As I grow older, I realize that the “American Dream”, does not satisfy the desire within each of us to truly live. When comparing an average American family to the families I have heard my aunt speak of who live in Africa, the differences are astonishing. While the American family may have every material need and want met, they are still seemingly restless and unsatisfied, but the African families I have heard of have virtually no material needs met, and yet they are incredibly grateful and happy. I want to experience my own stories in Africa with beautiful African