Sewa. It means selfless service. Contributing in any way you can to the greater good without thinking about how it helps you. And what better way to serve than to educate? Than to provide service–selfless service–that betters everyone it spreads to? Providing such an opportunity to educate is Sewa Aspire. Their program not only gives you volunteer hours, but also certifies them for you to receive a Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

But what is this program all about? You aren’t just a summer program instructor for kids at underprivileged schools–which by itself is incredibly rewarding; you are a leader, a friend, an inspiration for the kids to aspire to become.

Leader. Aspire hands you an opportunity to master the art of speaking and being engaging in one of the toughest and easiest environments to do so– in front of elementary schoolers. They will not hesitate to call out your faults and are often incredibly hard to manage. However, all of that melts in front of the happiness on their faces when they see you again, in front of their positive energy and innocence that is the future of our world.

Friend. Kids aren’t rigid, unemotional boulders yet. They’re still young–untainted by the harshness of the world. So when you make an effort to get to know them and have fun with them, they’ll respond. They’ll be the bestest of your friends, growing so attached to you that you'll even miss them at the end of the sessions. And it’s not just the kids that will become your friends–it’s your fellow volunteers. After spending all those lunch breaks together, you’ll be closer than two peas in a pod.

Inspiration. And while you do get to have all this fun and leadership experience, that’s one more thing you’ll get to be. The kids look up to teachers at this age, and that’s the same for you. You have a chance to make a lasting impact on so many kids’ futures, and that’s what will keep you coming back year after year after year.