At least 6,200 children die of hunger or hunger-related causes every single day. To put that number into perspective, that’s around half the number of Cornell undergraduates currently enrolled. Having that many children writhing in pain and suffering through the terrors of death is absolutely horrifying, shocking, and nonetheless saddening. But, it is also something that people, like you and me, can change.

Just an hour ago, I was in the St. Catherine of Siena Church packing food for starving children. By the end of the two hours, everybody packed a total of 167 boxes full of meals for malnourished children, which would then be shipped to food distribution partners around the world. To be completely honest, going into this service, I wasn’t exactly “ecstatic” or “overjoyed.” I wanted to hang out with my friends or potentially study for the looming prelims that are coming up very soon. Yet, I realized halfway through packing, that by even dedicating 1 hour of my life focused on the simple task of pouring cups of rice and soy or spoonfuls of vitamins and dried vegetables into these meal packs is saving a life and providing a malnourished child with the opportunity for a better tomorrow. Too many times, we can unconsciously develop tunnel-vision, where the only things we care about and focus on are our own goals. However, this Rose Scholars event really allowed me to think beyond the world I have constructed for myself, and remember how significant one act of love can be.