One, two, three, four, five, six.  I counted the number of steps I had to make before I could reach the auditorium.  My heart pounded as if I have walked a long flight of stairs.

I can not remember the year, but back in college, I came upon a flyer posted on the campus’ bulletin board.  The flyer was calling for students to volunteer for Project HELEN, the University of the Cordillera’s corporate social responsibility arm to sign up at the auditorium.

Day one.

Day two.

Day three.

How many days and bulletin boards must have passed before the official sign-up date.  The morning passed and I am still left restless on whether to would sign up or not. Believe me, it was hard for me to decide as it would involve interaction with strangers and sitting on a room full of crowds (possibly).  That was never my forte. I am not shy, I am merely comfortable in solitude or with the company of my close friends and the thought of walking towards the crowds invites panic and anxiety.

However, that day was different.  I had always been fascinated with volunteer groups. How they are able to help others voluntarily with no expectations of any return.  There’s always that sense of fulfillment in being able to help others.

With those in mind, I mustered my courage and headed towards the auditorium.  So many faces. Unfamiliar faces one could only see when walking on corridors.  

That moment was something I would always treasure.   “Do at least one good deed a day.” That was what I wrote on the freedom wall when the volunteers had a meet and greet session.

Walking towards that auditorium was my first step.  My first step towards knowing that there were other people in need of support.  My first step in knowing that there were underprivileged children in need of education, in knowing that there were cancer patients bravely facing what’s coming ahead for them.  Most importantly, it taught me the spirit of volunteerism. Something I was able to carry when I stepped out of university. It taught me that I can walk towards the unknown, and know that I’ll be able to meet new people of kindred spirits.