"I want to be remembered as the girl who could always brighten up your day even if I couldn't brighten my own."
As she advanced out the door settled in her wheelchair, a look came upon her face she was not sure would ever appear again. This remarkable girl unfortunately had brain cancer, was a child of poverty, and had no hair; prom -to her- was out of the question. Her lips began to separate displaying gorgeous teeth and cunning dimples as she flaunted her olive green prom dress. It was not just a smile; it was a sense of relief, a sense of beauty; something this girl had not felt in years.
That day I will never forget. The day I changed someone’s life. The day I saw bliss in a girl filled with dismay. The most rewarding thing, to me, is seeing someone smile, and knowing -I- caused that smile.
Throughout my seventeen years of life, I have always dreamed of helping those in need; in March of 2011 my dream quickly altered to reality. As I was on the expedition to find an impeccable gown for my junior prom, I saw that the local chapter of Becca’s Closet, a charity that donates prom dresses to the less fortunate, had shut down. I recognized this would affect many of my peer’s attending the prom. I began researching Becca’s Closet and was informed that the woman that had just ended the business stored the dresses at a local cleanist. I decided opening this business back to the community would become my top priority.
Taking on this large task was not going to be simple. I was aware that I would have to be persistent, enthusiastic, and motivated to make this conceivable. Throughout the process of reestablishing the chapter I knew this would be beneficial to my community, which strived me to keep moving forward.
Immense amounts of girls come to the Becca’s Closet - I run - from all around Massachusetts. I find the thankfulness from the girls so rewarding, I have assisted many girls with such drastic life stories such as one girl having brain cancer and never being able to walk again, and another girl that became mentally impaired after a car accident. It is stories like these that truly teach you to value life and do what is most beneficial for you and others surrounding you. When I am asked how I accomplished this achievement at my age my response is always the same. Nothing makes me more ecstatic than to see a girl find her dream prom gown from something I have enhanced and took over when they never thought that was possible. When the going got rough I knew I could never give up if I wanted to rise above all odds.
When people hear my name, I hope they smile and are reminded of my motivation, persistence and enthusiasm.
Alex this is so good! Good for you that you can keep Beccas Closet still going! when i was very little, my uncle was diagnosed with brain cancer and became mentally impaired. He lived with cancer his whole life. Until at just a very young age he passed away. I was only 8 when he died. Now i know what its like to see mentally impaired people and i know the pain they go through.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind that some people can't understand people like that. They're no different than we are. Its so good that you're able to help them out!
-grant
HI Alex - this is a great essay - I'm very impressed with your dedication...Ms. Kennett shared this sight with me - great job - Mrs. Fry
ReplyDeleteGreat post Alex! Not alot of people your age would take up such a responsibility. what you did was insperational and i think alot of young people will look up to you for this. Was taking over Becca's Closet stressfull at times?
ReplyDeleteThank you Grant and Mrs. Fry.
ReplyDelete@chandler Yes it became extremely stressful at times; however the stress was a small factor when compared to the way I felt after I helped a girl find the dress of her dreams. The feeling is indescribable, but it is so amazing that the stress was not a huge issue.
This is such a beautiful post. I love helping making people smile. I helped out at the breast cancer 5k this past Sunday on the canal and I was holding a direction sign and cheering for people. Most of the people who ran by smiled and said thank you when they ran by and it made me feel like I accomplished something.
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