SERVING AS A NECESSITY: Saraiah Hoover: Leadership role in volunteer organization (5pts)

Since moving to Atlanta, I've been surrounded by what I can only describe as excellence. I've begun volunteering at a local church, and it has been incredibly fulfilling. I get the opportunity to serve others while also challenging power structures that don’t have all classes in mind. Being able to truly hear people out and do small things like celebrating their birthdays and making them feel special is something I find invaluable.

As someone who previously never engaged in a consistent weekly community service, I now find it imperative that I continue. This work allows me to maintain a level of humility and gratitude in my character. I've come to understand that my blessings come with a responsibility and a cost that entails serving others and contributing to their happiness and dignity.

I've realized, while serving food and spending time with the people at the soup kitchen, that at the end of the day we are all human and share fundamental humanity, no matter how far removed we may be from having life's necessities or luxuries. I've noticed, that the people I serve are particularly selective about their sweets and that small luxury, that moment of having a choice, is something we're all entitled to. It's these little moments that stick with me and keep me motivated to go back, to give them space to feel seen and heard, and to listen to their stories about who they are. I've even witnessed profound talent during my time there. One woman was compelled to draw my face, and seeing her skill made me wish desperately that there was a way to protect and support them allm, to create pathways for their gifts to be recognized and for them to be seen in all their humanity.

- Saraiah Hoover