Mapping My Impact: How Small Moments Matter

By: Solangel Reyes

Mapping My Impact: How Small Moments Matter

When I think about impact, I don’t think of grand gestures. I think of the little things—how we speak to people, how we show up, and how we respond when things don’t go as planned. I really believe small, everyday choices have a ripple effect, and that kindness—especially the quiet kind—can make a real difference.

Myself

Lately, I’ve been trying to be less uptight with myself. I tend to want everything to go exactly how I planned it—and when it doesn’t, I get frustrated. But I’m learning that things don’t always work out perfectly, and that’s okay. I’ve been working on letting go of that pressure and reminding myself that it’s okay to re-plan, regroup, and keep going. That mindset shift alone has helped me feel more at peace and more flexible when life throws curveballs.

My Inner Circle

When it comes to the people I love, I want them to feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for. I try to be the kind of person who listens—not just with words, but with presence. I want them to know I’m always here, whether they need advice or just someone to sit with them through whatever they’re feeling. Love, to me, shows up in consistency and small moments of care.

My Community

When I think about community, I think about the small spaces I’m a part of every day—classrooms, work, or even quiet moments with animals and nature. Whether it’s helping a patient at the pharmacy, encouraging a classmate, or simply offering kindness to someone passing by, I try to show up with care. I believe that connection doesn’t always need words—sometimes just being present, gentle, and patient says more than anything else. Even the way I interact with animals reminds me that kindness is universal. My goal is to leave people (and places) better than I found them, even if it’s in small ways.

The World

As for the bigger picture—I don’t just want to go through life checking off boxes. I want to leave something behind that matters. Whether it’s through research, patient care, advocacy, or something I haven’t even discovered yet, I want to create work that has depth. Something that outlives me. I’m not chasing recognition—I just want to know that the way I showed up made things better for someone, somewhere. If I can leave a mark that reminds others to lead with compassion, curiosity, and care, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something meaningful.

How One Sphere Fuels the Next

I’ve come to see how much these spheres of impact are connected. When I’m patient with myself, I show up more gently for the people around me. When my loved ones feel supported, it gives me the confidence and strength to support others too. It’s a cycle—and it starts from within.

Even in tough moments, I’ve learned that showing up for others begins with how I show up for myself. The more grounded and self-aware I am, the more space I have to give to others. That inner work fuels everything else.

Looking Ahead: Growing My Impact This Summer

This summer, as I volunteer at Florida Cancer Specialists, I want to continue expanding that impact. I’d like to become more emotionally present in difficult spaces, more flexible when things don’t go as planned, and more comfortable simply listening when there are no easy answers. I want to keep showing up—not just as a student or a volunteer, but as a person who brings care, patience, and heart wherever I go.