Bens Everyday Economy

I think this is my most dominant trait that I have learned to use more and more since I began volunteering.  Being adaptable in the world is so valuable and I always was adaptable in the sense that If something was expected and I was not expecting it or did not complete it I could adapt in order to make it work.  Since I started volunteering though, I learned more ways to be adaptable including working in groups that I am unfamiliar with, talking to new people and big crowds, making statements based on other people.  It really has made a difference with my school also, and I am noticing I am more on top of assignments, appointments and things that are asked of me.

Over my volunteer time and hanging out with the kids I really haven't gained any curiosity.  The only thing that is related to being curious that I have gained is the seeking of knowledge and I tend to want to know more about the kids disabilities, and I always am asking them questions and trying to relate to them as much as I can, especially during the game we played for the kids that can’t navigate crowds, attached in the picture below. I didn't particularly think I would gain any curiosity, but I can see how other volunteer work would push someone to be more curious.  Overall I wouldn't say I am more curious outside of the Blizzard Foundation but a lot more than I was at the beginning when I am actually doing my volunteer work.

One of the first times I participated in the Blizzard Foundation was back in early September when two of the best club baseball teams in Minnesota, Minnesota Blizzard and Minnesota Mash played a baseball game at St. Thomas University.  I'm on the Blizzard team.  The purpose of this game was to play for children that are in wheelchairs, crutches or any other difficulty moving around that cant attend pro sports or let alone college games.  The game was played like an MLB game with concessions, PA announcements, etc.  My team couldn't play like any other old game, we had to come together as a team to play the best game for these kids possible.  Every teammate was included and we bonded as a team.  Everyone was respected and listened too just due to us realizing how fortunate we are to be playing for these kids, and how nice it is to attend major league sports.

A Laker Learning Trait that I selected was awareness.  During my few hours with the foundation I realized I picked up a lot of empathy and selflessness.  I took more time to really relate to the kids and try my best to learn as many details and little quirks of the kids as I can.  I think that since my mother works in the special ed department as a para, I can understand why she is so adamant and curious to help and relate to these children.  In my opinion the reason I picked up this trait was seeing how tough and mentally strong these kids are to be physically disabled and almost completely unable to play baseball yet they are still trying their hardest gave me some wisdom to how lucky I am to be able to do what I want.

I will be helping the Blizzard Foundation, that is affiliated with my baseball team to help and grow the community around baseball.  We will be going from Feed My Starving Children all the way to hosting baseball games for the handicapped children in Minnesota.  In the fall I helped with a Wiffle Ball game for children with ALS.  I am very passionate about this organizTion because first it revolves around baseball and second I love helping children and anybody in the community.  The one challenge I have for this service is attending all the oppurunities due to school but I will make it work.