The summer before my freshman year of college, I spent a hot afternoon shopping in my hometown of Lincoln, Neb. I was looking for a new pair of designer jeans that I felt, somehow, would create an impression on all of the unknown people I was to befriend at the University of Kansas, three hours away.

 As I walked down the wooden stairs and out the stained glass doors, I saw a homeless man sitting beneath the glittering green and gold banner of the boutique. I thought nothing of his destitute condition. A college-age guy walked by and the old man asked for change. “I can do you better — what do you want to eat?” he replied.

 My heart sank. I guiltily witnessed a stranger’s kindness while clutching a bag filled with an obscenely expensive purchase. That instance has always stuck with me, and has inspired me to help others as much as possible.

 I’ve worked at the Autism Society of Colorado in Denver, played with puppies at the Lawrence Humane Society and am excited to spend my spring break working with Teach For America. Volunteering gives me satisfaction more than anything, and I feel good about the effort I’ve put forth to help someone.

 These experiences have taught me that the small things you do everyday make an impact.  

Most recently, I made a donation to Bill Self’s campaign to raise money for Haiti relief on the KU Athletics website. Volunteering, donating and helping go a long way, farther than you can imagine.

 I’ve thumbed through countless galleries of images from the earthquake that destroyed the once-energy-filled city of Port-au-Prince, its vibrance buried alongside the bodies beneath crumbling cement. People’s lives are devastated, but they can be repaired with the help of generosity. One of the easiest ways to help is by texting the word “HAITI” to “90999” to donate $10 to the Red Cross.

 Helping the cause won’t make you an extraordinary person, but it’ll make a difference.