At My Best

Outreach International

            Last October I attended the World Food Prize in Des Moines.  This is a convention bringing in world leaders all having one goal in mind, and that is solving world hunger.  After attending this three day event I was motivated to make a difference in the world.  So I traveled back to Buchannan County, Iowa to be at my best. 

            Once I did return home I had a long discussion with my mother about a food packaging event that I participated in while at the World Food Prize, and then we both agreed that I should contact the same organization and organize my own food packaging event at my high school.

Outreach International was the organization present at the World Food Prize, so I called their main office and asked to talk to someone about scheduling an event.  They connected me with the desired contact.  I introduced myself and cut to the chase of what my goal was, “I would like to make a difference in my community and the world and bring the awareness of world hunger to my school”.  Her response was terrifying as I was unsure of my ability to fulfill the requirements to hold a food packaging event.  The terrifying information was that I would have to raise a minimum of $2,500 dollars to package 10,000 meals. 

            I had little confidence in myself but I was up for this tremendous task.  I started asking for donations from local businesses, family members, my high school, and the local churches.  Suddenly my initial goal of $2,500 was obtained and I was well on my way to $5,000.  Raising $5,160.66 was very complicated on top of being an honor roll student and an all district athlete, but the reward was well worth the time . 

            On March 17, 2011, 21,000 meals were packaged at Starmont Community Schools.  This was a time in my life that will remain at the front of my mind for the rest of my life.  I feel like I was at my best my senior year as I challenged myself to escape my comfort level as I completed twenty one college credits, participated in several clubs and organizations, lead the football team as captain to a 10-1 football season, and raised $5,160.66 voluntarily out of the good of my heart.  Yes, 21,000 meals were shipped over to starving children in Africa but over 925 million people are going hungry around the world every day.