“What can I do for you?” These words have become very natural to me. I see myself, more than most people, genuinely interested in the well-being of others. Whether I’m at school, hospital or local community center I go out of my way to be helpful. Just last week, I remember going up to a young man who is a regular at the community center I tutor at walking around the university campus. I simply approached him wanting to know why he wasn’t in school during school hours. My curiosity and good heartedness were received not to well. The young man responded, “Why is it any of your business?”
At the moment, I didn’t really know how to respond to the question, but after much thought I guess the simply answer is that my HEART as well as my Eye tirelessly work towards the improvement of my immediate community. I feel a sense of responsibility to extend a hand, help carry groceries, translate a letter or simply asking a young man why he wasn’t where he should have been as a RESPONSIBILITY I have towards my community.
I want others to act and start putting the needs of others in front of their own, without expecting some reward or recognition. I call to the Somali readers of this blog, to take it upon themselves to lead by example and become the light of the community. Our elders have sacrificed so much, to give us the opportunities we have come to know living in the Diaspora and we owe it to them to GIVE time.
For all of those who are wondering where to start? A good friend of mine reminded me of the most important place where many forget, the HOME. He texted, “charity begins at home. First establish yourself. Help fam. Then help others. Don’t try to take on all the problems. Do just enough.” I must admit this caught me off guard, because all this time most of my attention was towards the greater community, but a simple text helped put things in perspective.
