At first when I think of knights I think of big, buff, courageous men who ride on horses with their armor and long swords. However, when I actually put some thought into it I see people with big hearts. When I see a knight, I see a very chivalrous person. These are the type of people whom I look at and admire hoping one day to be like them. I got my chance.

On Sunday April 15th, 2007 my cousin had invited me to join her at the Race for the Cure: Breast Cancer™. Although I didn’t run I did get to volunteer and cheer on the people who actually participated in the run/walk. I was up at 3:30 a.m. to get ready for the day. My cousin and I had to be at the Starbucks™ near Reid Park. Once we arrived at Starbucks™ we met the woman who runs and sets up our section, the mid-point water station, Stacy. She very quickly handed us our shirts and we headed to our area. Once we got there we immediately began setting up the tables and trash bins. We placed cups on the table and began to fill them. Once the race started it was not too long after that the runners were coming our way. Handing out water was definitely not as easy as I thought. There was a time where it got a little crazy, but all the craziness was definitely worth it.

Hearing “thank you” and seeing the smiles on peoples faces as they ran, jogged, or walked by was the greatest feeling ever. I had felt like I just helped make a huge difference in the world. That was something I had never felt before and I plan on attending the race every year from now on. When I go back next year I plan on being a runner instead of a volunteer.

My second chivalry quest had come just earlier this week when I helped Ms. Meeker get caught up on some of the tasks she and her aids had fallen behind on. I did not expect anything in return, but I got the chance to use this for an assignment so it works for me. I had stayed after school one day to watch some speeches when it was over I had no where else to be so I offered a helping hand. I spent only a short while getting letters folded and stuffed, speech points added, and even a little organizing.

My favorite part of helping Ms. Meeker was when she thanked me and had told me a story. Her story was that she had gotten home and told her husband of something magical happening. She told me that I was the magical thing. I felt so good about myself because I had helped relieve some stress off of one of my favorite teachers. It was nice to see her shoulders loosen up a bit and the relaxed look one her face as well as the sigh of relief.

Now that my chivalry quest has been completed I have looked back on all the help I have done. When I stand in front of the mirror, I not only see my reflection, but I see myself in a very hard shining armor. I see a change in the world, a change in a life, a hero, a knight.