My true journey to self discovery began at Chicana Service Action Center, an organization dedicated to increasing the self-reliance of women and helping them overcome domestic violence. As the only male volunteer, I felt like I had to protect these women from the world, but they didn’t need protection: they needed empowerment. On the morning of July 17, 2009, I was teaching a computer class when one of the women approached me and asked how to capitalize a letter using Microsoft Word. Her reaction upon accomplishing this task was unbelievable. She jumped in excitement and ran around the room telling everyone the new skill she had learned. To me it was such a small thing, but to her it was an important achievement. My eyes were opened to a world I naively never knew existed: a world where simple computer tasks challenged everyday people. I felt my true vocation calling.

Many people go to college in order to earn a prestigious credential or secure a high salary, but those things are no longer my primary interests. The experience of volunteering at this organization changed my perspective. I realized that going to college would not be a purely selfish endeavor: I would do so in order to change the world.

It wasn’t until a week after I was diagnosed that I found out I was a cancer patient. My parents refused to tell me and so I acted like everything was normal, which is just how I continued to act even after I received the shocking news. Like all things, I knew that this situation would eventually solve itself. Other patients on the other hand, were not so lucky. I was devastated to see someone else with the same condition as me act as if their world was over. Although I did not realize it at the time, that devastation was a seed that would eventually grow into my desire to help others.

If we could be the ones to hold on and stay strong, then maybe we could make a difference in somebody’s life. With this attitude, I decided to volunteer around my community so that I could give back to the people who gave me their support. At Chicana Service Action Center, a lot of women walked in feeling alone. As victims of domestic violence, they felt like no one would help them. I imagined what if would have been like if no one had helped me overcome my condition. The lack of support would have made me feel like an outcast and just the thought of someone being alone in a difficult time tore me apart.

My experience with cancer taught me the value of caring for others. Whether it may be domestic violence or cancer diagnosis, I want to spend the rest of my life helping people overcome their obstacles. Although I do not want to become a Doctor or Physician, I still want to work with cancer patients and inspire them to live with an optimistic attitude such as the one I have. Nicki’s gift will contribute to my education and come one step closer to fulfilling my dream of inspiring change.

Thank You!

Christian Aviles