February 6, 2026

By Lesly Ramirez-Gomez

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it might sound strange to bring up experiences from last year. It’s worth pausing, though, to remember wonderful moments before they’re too far in the past.

As I think back upon an experience I had with the Goodwin College of Professional Studies team at the Share Food Program, I have been reflecting on why we plan certain moments, experience them, and then hold to them like treasure.

As an international student, being far from home and family is a big deal; however, when special occasions arrive, it's best to bridge the distance and find a way to be with our loved ones. When that isn’t possible, the people around you become your surrogate family, your substitute friends or simply the one who make a single day meaningful or worthwhile. To me, that is what this past holiday season represented: reflecting on the importance of others in my life, as well as my own importance in the lives of others.

I see now that if our actions bring a little ray of light to someone, even if our days are clouded over, then it has been worthwhile. Sharing a day of service with the Share Food Program is a great example of how even the smallest intention to help, to be present or to lend a helping hand can positively impact the lives of people we don't even know. The simple act of helping or doing something good for someone can help to save your life through forging connections with others or releasing endorphins through laughter.

What made this experience particularly meaningful was not only the mission we were supporting, but the opportunity to understand that giving extends far beyond material contributions. Sometimes, the best we can offer to others is time, connection, presence or simply the willingness to stand side-by-side in service. At the Share Food Program, Goodwin staff prepared more than 400 boxes that went on to support families across the region, but the act of volunteering connected us more deeply as colleagues.

Giving is not always material, and neither are the things we often overlook: a community to laugh with, a friend who listens, a warm smile in a cold season, and a moment when someone reminds you that you belong. Throughout this year, I carry this lesson: what we have – no matter how small it seems – can be a life‑saving for someone else. Sometimes it even saves us, too.