With Mother’s Day over the weekend, I naturally began to think about my mom and what I have learned from her over the years. My mom was a teacher who taught elementary school for over 30 years. She cared for every one of her students as if they were her own. I’m still amazed that she can remember her kindergartners when she sees them now as grown adults!
Teaching didn’t stop when the bell rang and the students were on the bus. She often stayed late to prepare her classroom for the next day. After dinner, while I was doing my homework, my mom was correcting papers or cutting out pieces for an art project. I would help her every year during the holidays wrap books for her students which she often purchased with her own money. I asked her once why she always gave her students a book and I’ll never forget her telling me that it was because for some of her students, that was the only book that was their very own.
After she retired, my mom filled her schedule by volunteering. First, she participated in a reading program at one of the elementary schools she had taught at. Now, she helps to serve dinner, distribute food and clothing to those in need, works at her church, and helps whenever a friend is in need. She may be one of the most selfless people I know.
When it came time for me to go into the real world, I often found myself using my positions to help others even though that wasn’t in my job description. I would organize events that were tied to helping the community with coat drives, food drives, fundraisers and more. I once had a job for a company that fit prosthetics and one of the brands of feet came with a pair of socks. For some reason, nobody ever took the socks so I asked my boss if I could donate them to the homeless.
If I could find a way to help others, I would. I never did if for recognition. I don’t even like writing about it now. Helping others is just what I saw you were supposed to do when I was growing up.
When COVID hit, my job was eliminated. Once again, I found myself trying to figure out what I wanted to be doing and where I wanted to be. I found myself gravitating toward positions and companies that valued helping the community. Helping others.
In early 2021, I saw an opening at AgeWell Services for a Marketing Specialist. Some of my family members had used the services before like Meals on Wheels and Senior Medical Transportation. It seemed like a great opportunity so I applied and was hired in February 2021. I’ve been with AgeWell Services now for over a year and people often ask how I like working here. I love working for an organization that’s sole purpose is to help other people!
My life has led me around the country and in many different directions but I am so thankful to have ended up here at home, helping my community just like I learned from my mother.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, grandmas, aunts, bonus moms, second moms, and women impacting the lives of younger generations!
About the Author
Alicia Roberts is the AgeWell Services Marketing Specialist.
Well written! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!