I sat in the corner of the Teen Leadership room. I glanced up at the clock. 2:45. There was a meeting today, right? A couple of girls dressed in volleyball uniforms, congregated on the green sofa.

“Are ya‘ll here for the Pink Fest meeting?”

“Yeah, we’re in Teen II.”

Thank God. It was today. I was just there to write a story. A story about the new changes in Pink Fest this year. A story for therideronline.

The talk of Pink Fest brought back memories. Memories from the day a girl in my class suggested an idea, an idea which led to the meeting I now attended.

A couple of girls crept into the room. But I couldn’t help but notice there weren’t any boys. I chuckled, wondering if the word “breast” scared them away.

When Schimmy entered everyone was excited to get started, but still a little disappointed by the turn out. But it was just the beginning; there were clubs and athletics after school. And work. Dang. My time at the meeting would be cut short because of work.

Schimmy started talking about the different committees this year and how more students would be able to get involved. But I was just there for the facts, not to get involved. But it was a little tempting.

Then she said the magic word. Scholarships. I lifted my head out of my notebook. Apparently, students who were involved in Pink Fest last year received some money for college.

My love for volunteering instantly returned to me and I convinced myself I would have the time. Now I’m the co-chair for the Publicity Committee of Pink Fest. And I just came to get the facts.

Getting involved in Pink Fest is a hard thing not to do. It’s a wonderful cause. It’s fun. And volunteering provides benefits greater than getting money for college. The experience is life-changing and will open your eyes to the everyday hardships people face. The people who volunteer for things like Pink Fest are the ones who will change the world, giving hope to the hopeless.