How is it that we can make a difference only being one person in such a large universe? We can’t help but feel miniscule, meaningless in this big old world, but instead of capitulating to that mentality, one can have the outlook of the boy with the starfish. To sum up this parable, the boy knows that his efforts to save the starfish may be trivial when throwing the hundreds of starfish washed up on shore back into the ocean, but as long as he saves one then it was all worth it. This is the mentality I’ve maintained when wanting to help those in need. One can always trick oneself into discouragement and apathy, but it takes character, courage, and strength to do something about it.

Hurricane Sandy let me further explore and implement this attitude. I sincerely sympathize for the thousands of people that were affected by the hurricane, so instead of letting myself become deterred by such a huge tragedy, I decided I needed to do something, even if it was small in the grand scheme of things. I began by researching NGO’s in the area that were working towards reconstructing property, and people’s lives. Peter, Randy, and I came together and decided the best avenue for our efforts was with the Red Cross because they are a well-established organization. For this idea to take flight, I used my resources from a chapter in my life that I did not believe would ever come in handy, being a server. I contacted the Firehouse through some ex-coworkers that knew somebody who knew somebody (how it usually works in the world) and they gladly agreed to help us fundraise. In a matter of four days, Peter, Randy, and I brought life to what had just been an idea. It is that simple to do something for others and ultimately the world.

The night of the Firehouse event was an encouraging, heart-warming experience. It was exciting to see such a big turnout of people who wanted to partake in the fundraising effort (I’m sure the booze was enticing too). People enjoying themselves, people donating to the cause, and bonding amongst the company led to a successful night. Thanks to all who donated that night, we made a little under four hundred dollars. It is not about the amount of money we fundraised however, it is important to keep in mind how contagious attitudes can be. One selfless, caring act does not end there, but it possibly inspires others to act on an idea; and before you know it, you are changing the world, one small starfish at a time.