On Sunday, December 2nd, The Ohio Special Olympics hosted it’s annual swim meet at the Billie and Mae McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. The efforts of many were required to make this event run smoothly. Nearly 100 volunteers stepped up to the plate, and I was one of them. I spent my Sunday morning as an escort for the athletes, showing them the way to their swimming lane, cheering them on, and being there right after their race to congratulate them and show them to their award. The task was simple, yet so rewarding. Nothing warms my heart like the satisfaction that comes from the joy of community service. The room was filled with smiles, excitedness, and love as hundreds of athletes from many different walks of life went on to compete in races like the 50 m backstrokes, 25 m butterfly, and 100 m relay. I asked nearly every athlete that I escorted how they felt before their race. Not once did anyone say “nervous”. The confidence, perseverance, and passion of the athletes in the room that day were unmatched. Not only did I enjoy my time volunteering, but I was able to learn something. Sometimes life can throw some of of the most challenging obstacles at you, however with dedication, grit, and hard work, even the toughest of predicaments can be overcome. This was not my first time volunteering with Special Olympics, and it certainly won’t be my last.