The Raven Essay

Jillian Winarski

Ocotber 24th 2014

2nd hour

Lesson Learned

Imagine if someone did you a favor, something that couldn’t be done on your own, and instead of helping them in return you helped another person. Then, they each paid it forward to three more people. Soon it would spread to more and more people. If everybody followed through it could be a great movement. So that’s why my sophomore English class decided to take on a modified version of this project, trying to change the world by simple actions.  

I decided to help the animal shelter at Petco in the Lakeside circle. I embraced this project because I adore animals and the thought of abused or lonely animals makes me sick and disgusted.  So in my best attempt I paid it forward to not only the workers that needed extra help, the animals also.  While I was there I played with the kittens and puppies and took many dogs for walks.  I could tell the workers loved our assistance and the dogs loved the company. Even though the dogs can’t certainly pay it forward the workers should and I believe they will.

This project taught me multiple things which will stick with me for a while. One of them is to simply do favors not expecting one back. I went into the animal shelter not expecting anything in return and they ended up giving me a free dog bone for my dogs at home. The surprise is much more surpassing. Another one is to help the ones in need even if they can’t return the favor. For example, I knew that the dogs could not necessarily help me in anyways other than the love they gave me, but I still helped because it’s worth it to see people or animals happy. Preforming this project just really made me feel exceptional and more people should try it.

Obviously my one act of kindness isn’t going to change the world but eventually if everyone put their mind to it, the world could be a more valuable place. Now I understand the importance of helping people. I believe that at any given point if you see a person in need of a favor you should help them, I will now stand by that due to my sophomore English assignment.