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I am a seventeen-year-old boy studying for my A Level Examination at the end of
this year. What can I count as my achievements so far? I think that in the
materialistic society that my peers and I live in, we tend to
imbibe the values of a rat race. Being
students, we aspire to get good grades in order to secure comfortable jobs. I
find studying no problem and have consistently scored As in my subjects. There
was a year in which I topped my cohort in the final examinations. Another
achievement and memory I fondly retain is how I managed to foster a better
relationship between my Mum and Dad. Dad is a successful businessman, but he is
seldom at home. Mum is a bored housewife who often nags him to allow her to go
out to work. Their frequent bickering
depressed me and one day I poured out my grievances to them. I managed to
convince Dad that Mum would be better off with a part-time job. He agreed and
since then, their relationship has been better.
However, the one achievement I am proudest of is my successful work in the
local old folks' home. From young, I had been brought up by my grandparents.
When they passed away, I cried bitterly. Since then, I have developed a fondness
for elderly people, understanding their weaknesses and appreciating their good
points.
I participated in my school's Community Service Club when it was first set
up. Our members made numerous trips to the local old folks' home. Pretty soon my
enthusiasm and hard work led me to being unanimously elected as Chairman of the
club.
Unlike many of my fellow students, I do not do community work to earn points.
I really love the work and feel I am doing something worthwhile. Hence, while
some of my peers have stopped visiting the old folks' home, I indefatigably
spend many satisfying weekend afternoons there. Many of my fellow students are
put off by the smell of the home. It is a fact that some old people are
bedridden and some are not particular about their personal. There is also a
shortage of nurses and caregivers. Also, some of my friends complain that many
old folks are grumpy and suspicious.
This is where I can contribute. I chat with the old folks, help them with
their daily tasks and listen to their problems. They like to tell me of their
glorious old days and their suffering during the Japanese Occupation in
Malaysia. Initially, my attempts at helping them were regarded with suspicion. I
cannot blame them as many of them do not like to be viewed as abandoned old
people whom chattering students visit once a year.
However, my sincerity and keenness to help won them over. I did not mind
cutting their fingernails or changing adult diapers. Now, many of my elderly
friends regard me as a friend or foster son, and I call them 'uncles' or
'aunties'.
My club organised a successful Christmas party last year. The
able-bodied old folks took part in the
concert. Many of them told me they looked forward to another party next year.
Hence, looking back at my achievements, I am very proud of my community work
at the old folks' home. In the future, I hope to study social work in the
university and work as a social worker as I find great satisfaction in helping
the less fortunate. |
