Ali McGrath

What a week! We have one more day left of work and then a plane ride home! I can’t believe how quickly this week has flown by. I wish we had more time to do this amazing work. We have had the pleasure of working with some of the most incredible people I have had the pleasure to meet. Janet, Martha, Kim, Ed, Marty and so many others. They have been an inspiration and have taught me so much about what service truly means. Ed told me this amazing story about how he brought people gas on the side of the highway after Katrina because they were stranded there with their things, without food or water. He just handed over the gas free of charge so they could get somewhere in order to get water. Hearing about him giving without even a second thought was amazing. He could have easily taken advantage of that situation but it wasn’t even a thought.

I had the pleasure of working with Marty for most of the day yesterday. Bagging oysters was one of the most difficult and tiring work I’ve ever done but it was so fun. Helping him and learning about his organization was so rewarding. You could really tell that he really appreciated the help that he got from us. He normally just worked with people trying to do community service because they were in trouble so he was appreciative of the hard work he got from the ASB family.  Working all together was awesome. Being spilt up during the week was so depressing so it was nice change for us al to be together.

We really have become a family over this week. We know so much about each other and have grown to care for each other like life long friends. It’s nice to know that I will have these people in my life because they are an amazing crowd to be around. We have so much fun and truly care for each other and for the greater good. Everyone here is an inspiration to me. They all care so much and do such amazing things. I have learned so much from everyone. I am honored to be able to work with such an amazing crew of people.  The trip leaders have worked so hard to put this together for us and for that I am grateful. Thank you for making an amazing trip and teaching me so much about what service truly means. Everyone here is amazing and I love you all so much.

This week has truly made me reflect on all aspects of my life. Once, getting a good job and making a lot of money was my main concern but after the course of this week I know that those things are not as important to me as I once thought. Being able to help people, truly make a difference in their lives is something that I know I want to do now. I am so happy that I have had this opportunity to lead me to a rewarding, worthwhile life. I know it won’t be a waste now and that I will make a difference and it has started right here in Biloxi, Mississippi. The small changes we make today will be a huge movement in the future. Thank you ASB 2013 and all the people that made it so amazing. You have changed my life.

With love,

Ali McGrath, Class of 2015