By Razane Hamzeh (YES 2018–2019, Lebanon, hosted by AFS-USA in Buffalo, NY) 

My exchange year started in August 2018, and one of my goals for that year was to achieve 100 hours of community service. I started by going with my host mom every Friday morning to the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House is a charity that offers lodging to families whose children are hospitalized at nearby medical facilities. As a volunteer there, I did chores like vacuuming, sweeping, and organizing the toy room. Once school started in September, I had to place my volunteer work with the Ronald McDonald House on pause.

Later, I started participating as a volunteer in events held in Buffalo, such as the Kidsfest at WNED Studios, where my fellow exchange friends and I played with the kids and introduced them to our different cultures. At the Maple Weekend, I volunteered to wear a chicken costume to entertain the children! In February 2019, I started volunteering at the Kevin Guest House, which has a similar mission as the Ronald McDonald House, and I went there every day to help. 

Finally, I reached my goal, and I accomplished 100 hours of volunteering, and got a certificate in June 2019! My passion for volunteering did not end in the US. I’ve continued to volunteer in Lebanon as a member of various organizations. Even though I didn't get any money in return as a volunteer, these experiences rewarded me with a sense of independence and empathy.