Scribing a new chapter for others

✍🏼 Scribing a new chapter for others

May 08, 2019 • 3 min • Life

Let me take you on a journey that touched my heart and left an indelible mark on my soul. It all started when a social worker approached me with an opportunity to be a scribe for an individual during an exam. She explained it involved reading test questions aloud and marking down answers for a disabled person. I was hesitant at first - it sounded daunting and I didn't know what to expect. But I decided to step outside my comfort zone and help.

Walking into the exam center, I met this incredible person. On exam day, I made my way to the center, nerves building with each minute. I was introduced to the examinee, a bright and cheerful woman unfazed by the high stakes test ahead. Her positivity and resolve to succeed despite obstacles amazed me. Who was I to feel anxious when she approached this pivotal moment with grace and courage?

As the exam began, we worked together in synchronized collaboration. I carefully dictated each question, watching in awe as she recalled knowledge swiftly and precisely. No hint of worry or doubt ever crossed her face, just deep concentration and belief in her abilities. She knew this was her chance to gain independence by securing a government job. I was humbled and inspired beyond words.

Post-exam, the call came, and it was one of triumph and elation. The hours flew by, and suddenly the exam was over. Weeks later, I received incredible news - she had passed the exam and qualified for the position! The joy and gratitude in her voice when she called to tell me brought me to tears. This was a turning point in her life, a dream realized, and I had played a small but important role.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

This experience was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about lending a helping hand; it was about witnessing the ripples of change that even a small act of kindness can set in motion.

Fueled by this encounter, I set out on a new mission. As a software engineer, I wanted to amplify this impact. So, I created an android application. This app would be the bridge, connecting eager volunteers with upcoming exams. It was about making the process smoother, removing barriers, and encouraging more folks to join in.

This journey of giving back has been nothing short of incredible. It's taught me that the power to light up lives is within each of us. We just need to heed the call, to step up and make a difference, no matter how small it may seem at the start.

And I can't wrap this up without giving a huge shoutout to my colleague, Himani Gwalani. She's the one who introduced me to this beautiful world of volunteering, and I'll forever be grateful for that. She opened the door to a realm of possibilities, to the joy of making a positive impact.

So, there you have it, a slice of my first volunteering adventure. It's a story I carry with me, a reminder of the incredible potential we all hold to light up the world, one act of kindness at a time.