Imagine dressing up like a clown. You’re in clown clothes, clown makeup, and you’re a seventeen-year-old girl. You’re also in public with a ton of people. The best (worst) part is: You’re matching with your dad.
This was me in October 2024. I was nervous and embarrassed to be a clown duo with my dad. My dad volunteered himself and I to be clowns to entertain and make balloons in one of the kid’s booths for the Walk for Cancer. However, just a few balloon dogs and flower bracelets later, my view of volunteering would turn around.
I learned first to make a dog and sword. It was simple. Then, a flower bracelet that took two balloons. I became the flower bracelet clown. Soon, kids started coming up to our fold-out table before the race. I was prepared but nervous. I knew the general balloon toys and animals.
I was then asked for an elephant. Kids will make you think on your feet. So, the balloon dog had some big ears and when I handed him his “elephant” he didn’t know the difference. Most of my balloon animals turned out to be variations of dogs. All-in-all, I was still embarrassed because I felt as though the kids weren’t happy with my (for lack of better word) abstract creations. They didn’t talk to me very much either. They mostly had to be told by their parents or older siblings what to do. When I asked what color balloon they would like, their answer would have to be translated back to me from their mumbles and whispers.
What I would learn time and time again is that they were just as shy as I was. I remembered being their age and being pushed by my mom and dad to see clowns, princesses, and Santa Claus. All people dressed up in costumes in their free time to try to help out. I don’t remember those people or seeing them shy away from me. I remember good memories, building confidence, and my mom being able to get a picture of me without snot of my face.
In giving each kid their balloon, they didn’t always say thank you or smile at me. However, they always got a picture with their family or excitedly turned around to show their mom. Whoever pushed them up, would mouth a “thank you” or talk to me while the kids watched me make balloon dogs.
In the end, volunteering isn’t easy. Not because balloon animals are back-breaking labor, but because it’s out of your comfort zone. You won’t be met with glory, gratitude, or even clear instructions on what you’re really supposed to be doing. What matters is you try and that you show up for a stranger. Remember, the point is to be selfless. Volunteering might help you more than your cause.