When we read the definition of the word "help" in the dictionary, we most likely think that it only means doing something for others. But, is this its true meaning?

Unfortunately, many of us think that helping means setting aside our personal interests and sacrificing our time, knowledge, and money for others. However, helping others is a good thing and has absolutely no connection with sacrifice.

Why is it so difficult for people to understand that helping is not a waste of their time or something bad or harmful to them? Part of the explanation is that society has established that the only reward that exists and really matters is a material one. But, is it society that deserves all the blame? Or, is this misunderstanding also our fault? We are also responsible, not only for letting ourselves be influenced by what others say or think, but also because we do not give ourselves the opportunity to experience what it really means to help others.

If we analyze our lives and our achievements, have we done everything alone? Or have we received help? I'm sure many of us will say we did it all by ourselves, but none of us can do anything alone. Of course we can have great determination, the spirit to overcome, and a fixed goal, characteristics that are essential to making our dreams come true. But without the help of others, we will not be able to achieve anything.

I can affirm that without help, it is almost impossible to achieve what we propose. I also once believed that I did not need anyone and that everything I had achieved had been by myself. Fortunately, time taught me that I was very wrong and that we are what we are because of the help that others give us.

I never thought helping someone or some cause would actually help me, until it happened . . .

In life, failure is something normal to which we are all accustomed. But no matter how accustomed we are, it still hurts us. At the beginning of this year, I had a failure that affected me in ways I never imagined. For the first time, I wanted to give up and stop fighting for my dreams, which made me feel even more annoyed and angry than I already was with myself. I completely lost the determination, conviction, and confidence that characterized me. I did not know what to do or where to go, until one day I decided to volunteer with Superkids, a foundation that works with children.

When I heard about the foundation, I was very impressed, but it was without a doubt their program “Niños Profes” that amazed me and made me want to be part of it. Besides teaching values like leadership and social development, they teach children from 8 to 12 years old how to teach writing and reading to other children who are in less favorable conditions. These children can be agents of change in their communities and demonstrate what they can do if we believe in them.

During the time I have been with Superkids, I have helped the kids teaching in the schools, supporting and guiding them with their students. I have also had the opportunity to see the smile and joy of a kid who has learned to read, to go with the niños profes and listen to their stories on the bus that takes them to the schools where they teach, experiences that I consider some of the most beautiful and significant moments of my life.

From the first moment I went “to help,” I underwent an amazing change. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and I began to have the courage and strength to keep going. Those kids gave me back the confidence and determination I lost; they were the main reason for my positive change. In addition, they taught me to believe in the power of kids, to be a better person, and to enjoy the simple joys of life. Thanks to them, I learned many things, but especially the importance of believing in the good of others. I hope that one day people will understand the true meaning of “help” and exchange the "me" for the "we," so that they can change the world and help themselves by helping others.