It was still dark outside when twelve students from Tottenville High School trudged their way out of their beds and to the College of Staten Island campus. What were they thinking? They were the members of the THS Newman Club and they were setting up for the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk 2006.

It was six in the morning when my friend and I arrived at the college campus. It was pitch black outside as if it was eight at night instead. It was so cold that I had three layers on as well as my THS gym sweatpants!

We were given bright orange T-shirts with the word “VOLUNTEER” printed on the back and sent off to work. I met up with the other members of the club and we proceeded to set up tables and chairs for the walk. Tents were unfolded and signs were hung. After three hours in the cold, breakfast arrived. Bagels and hot drinks were served to the early starters.

It wasn’t long before we had to get back to work again! Some members were sent to hand out T-shirts for the walkers. Others were sent to the face-painting and tattoo tent. Once the music started, we knew this was it! The walk had begun! Teams and individual walkers poured on to the campus as they registered and got ready to walk three times around the CSI campus.

My friend and I left at around noon with certificates dating six hours of community service. However, it wasn’t the certificates that gave us our smiles for the day but the knowledge that we were doing something to help the world, specifically in the medical field. With us as well as several schools helping, we were all able to make this walk possible. Juvenile Diabetes is a disease in which a cure has not yet been found. I personally have a good friend who has such a disease and his strength and courage inspires me to volunteer at this walk every year. He never lets diabetes stop him from participating in sports or any other extracurricular activities and that’s what makes him a hero to me.

As the co-president of the Newman Club, I would like to say thanks to the members who volunteered at the walk: Carmen Chan, Sara Kim, Leana Leon, Desiree Burke, Danielle Pierre, Sana Venjara, Ariel Ruppert, Mina Hirsch, Annie Johnson (treasurer), Olga Chagin, and Nicole Garay (co-president). Your dedication and willingness to be at the CSI campus at six in the morning was appreciated.

A quote from Carmen Chan:

“This was the second time that I went to the JDRF Walk for my club and it was very fun. For both years, my friends and I helped set up the walk. Even though it was very cold in the morning, I think it was worth it because I was both helping my club and the diabetes walkers and our loved ones who have diabetes. After setting up, my friends and I and the many walkers walked the campus. And because I felt great helping out with this walk, I would love to help set up the walk next year if I can.”