It was a Sunday evening, and I had just wrapped up my daily activities within the community. The day hadn’t gone as planned—it was one of those frustrating days that left you feeling drained and questioning everything. I was sitting in my room, wrestling with a storm of negative thoughts. Doubts about my decision to become a Volunteer consumed me. I questioned everything—my choices, my direction, and whether I was truly making a difference.

My phone rang as I sat there, buried in my worries. It was a fellow Volunteer calling. At that moment, I wasn’t in the mood for any conversation, so my first instinct was to ignore the call. I reached for my phone, intending to end it. But in a twist of fate—whether it was unfortunate or fortunate—I accidentally answered the call.

On the other end was my friend, a fellow Volunteer who often calls just to say hello. We ended up having a lengthy conversation. At first, I was hesitant to open up, but as we talked, I felt the weight of the day slowly lifting. Their simple words of encouragement and genuine interest in my well-being reminded me of something I had forgotten: sometimes, all we need is someone to check in on us.

For the longest time, I’ve never been a fan of phone calls. Maybe it’s because I’m an introvert, and I tend to keep to myself. But that day, I realized how much power lies in a single call. It has the ability to uplift, to comfort, and to remind us that we’re not alone.

That conversation didn’t just brighten my mood—it changed my perspective. I decided that I wouldn’t wait for others to call me anymore. I would start reaching out to my fellow Volunteers, friends, and family members, especially when I felt down. I’ve discovered that initiating those conversations, even when I don’t feel like it, has been transformative. It’s become a new norm for me, one that has worked wonders for my mental and emotional well-being.

A phone call may seem like a small gesture, but to someone in need, it can mean the world. Now, I’ve made it a point to be that person on the other end of the line, ready to remind someone that they’re seen, heard, and cared for. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple hello to change someone’s day—or even their life.