Every year, when NDA Serves comes around, people often choose their service site depending on how easy it is, how many of their friends can come with them or even how early they have to wake up! 

We forget that the true meaning of NDA Serves is to go out and represent our school and show everybody how united we are as a community. 

Nobody is saying you can’t bring your friends along or have fun while doing service, but it’s important to remember that NDA Serves is a day to give back to the community. 

As a sophomore here at NDA, I’ve only done one NDA Serves along with my fifteen hours of social justice required sophomore year, but this alone has given me a better understanding of the many different situations the people around me are in. 

NDA Serves gives you the chance to get out and meet new people, help your community and learn about and experience things you’ve never done before. 

Last year I went to the NEW Community Shelter because I knew that they’ve done amazing things like offer emergency shelter, give free meals to those in need and provide affordable housing to those struggling to get back on their feet. 

I loved what they stood for and I decided I wanted to help. I cleaned rooms, organized supplies and met some incredibly kind staff and residents. 

I wish that everyone could experience volunteering there because sometimes people forget that not everyone comes from the same background, and places like the NEW Community Shelter desperately need the assistance so they can keep helping others reach their full potential and live the life they’ve always wanted. 

For NDA Serves, keep in mind that it’s so much more rewarding to challenge yourself and expand your horizons instead of doing the same old easy thing. You might find a new favorite hobby or environment to come back to, even outside of high school.