Somewhere between SAT scores, high school dances, and homework, students find ways to relieve built- up stress. The daily routine of school seems to never grow dry, but it finds a way to blossom into a garden of assignments and deadlines. Each day never ceases to exist, accompanied by its new challenges, not to mention new opportunities. Even though a daily routine has its bright sides, it can easily become a selfish habit. To be frank, I have found the blood of selfishness on my hands too; I find it simple to become caught up in my own world. I catch myself worrying about my assignments. I catch myself thinking about my future and I catch myself dwelling on my present life. When an individual is only concerned about their own all the time, they develop a one-track mind. The first step in trashing selfishness is realizing that perfection is merely subjective, and then the second step is spreading compassion into the lives of other people.

  Stopping to genuinely care for other human beings is very possible. As shocking as it may sound, putting others before yourself can boost your self-esteem and ease stress. I not only say this because it makes complete sense in my mind, but I say this because I have reaped the rewards of selflessness.

  During March of 2009 I began participating in Street Reach with Monte Vista Chapel. Street Reach is a group of people ranging from 15-65 years old who gather every Sunday morning to evangelize to homeless individuals. I started doing Street Reach because I felt dead in my daily life and departed from my faith, simply for those reasons. Little did I know I would develop relationships with a magnitude of people, and I didn’t know that it would make a difference. Prior to joining Street Reach, I only possessed a relationship with my mind and my current conditions and I was my only worry. Once I started developing relationships with the people I evangelized with, I found life to be much more enjoyable because I had other people to think about. Now, the last sentence might have seemed some what strange, but it is completely honest. When I began to care for other people I was acquitted from selfishness and I was set free from my daily routine. Actually, caring for other people and putting yourself last can be quite a liberating and exciting experience.

  Homelessness is one problem that seldom is recognized in our modern world and lately, the rate of homelessness is continually growing. Unlike the life of a homeless individual, the life of an adolescent is safe. Most teens can comfortably rise every morning, knowing that an eight hour school day accompanied by caring teachers is waiting for them. As selfless individuals, we should spread our security and potential care to other people who possess no sense of direction or safety. Offering security to other people is not a hard process. It does not require us to sell all of our belongings and donate the money to foundations. Every student can offer a couple hours out of their weekend to volunteer at a homeless shelter, elderly home, or local business. Helping in your community can help you mature and give you a sense of responsibility. As you volunteer, you will elicit hidden aspects to your personality that you never knew existed!

  You might feel some dissension for my suggestion because you think that seeing people in need will depress you or it might even add more stress to your life. This is not true; you will be a witness to great life-changing stories. For example, during Street Reach I met a middle aged gentleman who was freed from prison. He was supremely depressed and in desperate need for a job. I would see him every Sunday morning, and to no surprise, he was very let down due to his unfortunate circumstances. Every Sunday morning, my colleagues and I would pray that he would have extensive change in his life. Months later, this gentleman found a job, he is now very dedicated to his new job and he is now very optimistic.

  Every Sunday morning I find a small piece of my selfishness dying away. My teenage insolence is deteriorating and I am now finding happiness in the smallest of situations. When I attend school and find out that I have a handful of assignments, I feel that my situation is manageable and that there are other individuals who are having a much more difficult time than I am. With the holidays quickly approaching, I feel blessed to say that I will be able to spend them with my family. I hope with all my heart that everyone will take time in these upcoming months to embrace their family and enjoy the company of other people.

  Now more than ever, teens should challenge themselves by putting others first because the rewards are tremendous.