At the age of 19, I had a strong desire to make a difference. After researching many organizations to volunteer with, I heard of Rising Star Outreach through a friend. I went straight to the website and read about their mission and programs. What originally drew me to their volunteer program was that I wouldn't have to choose what kind of work I did; I would be able to volunteer in three aspects of humanitarian work: education, medical, and community development. As I grew to understand more about the organization, I was impressed with their multi-faceted approach to helping the leprosy affected. Not only were they helping with the medical ailments that came from leprosy, they were also increasing self-dignity and self-sufficiency through micro-grants and providing a bright future for their children through education. I signed up to be a volunteer that summer in 2010.