By Stephany Harrington, Columnist
Because schoolwork and studying takes up a lot of time and energy, not a lot of other things have been going on in my life. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is nice not to be overwhelmed with outside activities. However, this week I did do something differently. I gave blood. I have donated before and always liked how I felt afterward. This was one of the first times my donation has been uncomplicated. In the past, I was not eligible to donate because I had low iron, or a cold or too much to do that day. But this time, it went off without a hitch.
When I tell people I made my appointment to give blood, it is alarming how many people shudder at the thought. They describe their extreme fears of blood–how they get queasy thinking about blood and might even pass out at the sight of it. I understand that it is not for everyone. Watching blood drain from your body is not the most pleasant experience and I get that it could be alarming. But at the same time, all you have to give is twenty minutes of your time and you save three lives. It is a good feeling to walk out of the donation center and feel like you have done something good.
Giving blood is one of the simplest, easiest ways to help out someone in need.
It is so simple too. People always talk about giving back and helping others. This is such a great way to do it. Knowing that you are giving something of yourself, literally giving life. I think that is very powerful. I won’t get into some speech about how transcendent the experience was, but I will try to get you to donate. There are some people I will never convince, because they already know exactly that it is not for them. But I know there must be some of you who must be on the fence. It’s definitely worth a try. I mean, your arm might feel a little weak after you donate, but that goes away in a couple of hours. But weighing slight discomfort and helping someone, I know which way the scale will tip.
I started donating blood when I was a senior in high school. My mom gives blood as many times as she can, because working in a hospital has made her extremely aware of how vital it really is. Growing up, she always taught how important giving blood is. I also learned that my specific blood type is the universal donor. My blood can be given to any recipient and help them. Personally, I think that is pretty cool. So once I was eligible, I wanted to donate. And so now several years later, I am still doing so.
For me, the decision was easy. I know that for many others it is a more complicated decision because they have their own reasons. I just wanted to share that after I give I always feel like I have done the right thing. You do not have to rescue someone from a burning building or be the doctor in the operating room to save a life. All you have to do is give a little bit.
