For the past three years, Impact Week at Mount Carmel has always been something for me to look forward to and has been filled with amazing experiences.

It gives students the chance to help others, build friendships, and grow as people. Every year, freshman, sophomore, and junior classes each get their own opportunity to go out into Chicagoland communities and make a difference. From cleaning up parks, to working at food pantries, Impact Week has shown us the importance of service.

One of the biggest lessons Impact Week has taught me is gratitude. My classmates and I think that helping people who are struggling has changed the way we think about our own lives.

“My favorite part of Impact Week over the past three years has been being able to see the perspective of others who aren’t as fortunate as I am,” said junior Jonathan Akin. “It has brought me gratitude.”

Whether it was cleaning up trash at the Indiana Dunes, handing out food to families in need, or helping out at Special Olympics, these experiences have helped students appreciate what they have in their own lives.

“Impact Week has helped me learn that other people have things way more difficult than I do,” said Nicholas Riordan. “I have realized I should be more thankful for everything I have.”

I and many of my classmates have gained a new perspective and better appreciation for our lives by working with those less fortunate than us.

Another important part of Impact Week is the friendships that are formed. I found that working together to complete tasks helps students bond in ways that they would not in the classroom.

Whether it was fixing up a playground at Jackson Park or organizing bike tires, my classmates and I spent hours working with each other. This has brought us closer together.

“Impact Week brings us closer as students because sometimes we end up in groups with guys we haven’t spoken to before,” said Akin. “It allows us to become closer.”

When students are placed in different groups, they have the chance to work with new people and form new connections.

“I think that Impact Week brings students together because we all get to bond,” said Riordan. “You make friendships you would never have made before.”

Impact Week has allowed students to really make a difference. Over the years, students have participated in many service projects that have had a great impact on the community. Some projects have been very meaningful. For Akin, working at St. James’ Food Distribution Center was the most impactful experience.

“It impacted me the most by allowing me to help others who aren’t as fortunate,” he said.

For Riordan, redoing the playground at Jackson Park was the most meaningful project.

“My favorite project we have done was redoing the playground at Jackson Park,” he said. “It made a very big difference, and I was glad to help.”

These projects not only helped those in need, but showed my classmates and I that our actions really matter, even if they are not the biggest differences. Knowing our work had a real effect on the community was a very powerful lesson.

Impact week is an amazing experience for MC students. It has taught us gratitude, built friendships, and allowed us to make a difference in the community.

Each year has provided new opportunities to serve others, and the lessons we learn will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Whether it was picking up trash, handing out food, or helping at the Special Olympics, every experience has shaped us into better people.

Impact Week is more than just a school event, it is an experience that changes lives.

“It feels amazing knowing that we have made a difference in the community,” says Akin.