Service to All Mankind

[SKEEphistAKAte]

Last night I received great news. (No, I didn't save money on my car insurance :P) A young lady that I have been mentoring since I was in undergrad just received a full college scholarship!!! I cannot put into words how wonderful this feels. We were paired in a mentoring program that I participated in through my membership in the city's urban league. When I met this young lady, she was simply out of control. She was being raised by a hard-working single mom. She had 2 older sisters, one was strung-out on drugs, and the other was a chronic welfare mom. This young lady had no hope, for all she saw was the environment around her.
It took some time, but over the years she became like my little sister. I'll never forget one day when we were out, we ran into a group of her friends and she introduced me as her sister. I felt so proud. Then I got this news last night. When I visited their home, her mother and I cried and hugged for what seemed like forever. I was so touched when her mom said that this would not have happened without me. To top it all off, my mentee said that she wants to attend Florida A&M University because that is what made me the "fantastic person" that I am. I was touched. Just relating it to you all brings tears to my eyes. I feel like a proud mama.
Over the years, we both put in a lot of work. I had to play teacher, sister, mama, friend, life-coach, mediator, etc. But I received so many intrinsic rewards from this mentorship that it was well worth. Now to see that my baby is going to be a first generation college student, and without all of the financial worries...it is just the greatest feeling ever.

Anyhow, I want to dedicate this thread to stories of community service. We are all service oriented people, so feel free to relate your touching, enlightening, even funny stories about community service here.