This summer, I’ve taken some time to think deeply about what kind of impact I have on the world around me—not just in big, obvious ways, but in the small everyday choices I make. I started by asking myself four questions: What do I do that makes the world a better place for everyone? How do I take care of myself, my loved ones, and my environment? How do I show people I care about them? And how am I involved in my community, and what gaps am I filling? From those questions, I built a visual representation of my personal impact—four concentric circles that start with myself at the center and ripple outward to the world.
At the core is me—just me. The truth is, how I show up for myself directly affects how I’m able to show up for others. When I take care of my mind and body by eating nutritious food, moving regularly, and challenging myself when I feel unmotivated, I’m laying a strong foundation for everything else. Reading, both for fun and for learning, is one of the ways I stay grounded and curious. I’ve learned that rest isn’t the opposite of growth—it’s necessary for it. Taking time to recharge helps me think more clearly, listen more patiently, and love more generously.
From that core, the next layer is my inner circle: my family and my close friends. These are the people who know me best and love me anyway. I show up for them by being consistent and present—checking in when they’re having a hard day, making them laugh, reminding them that they’re not alone. For me, love shows up in the little things: remembering important dates, offering a ride when needed, or just being a shoulder to cry on. The stronger and more connected I feel to this inner circle, the more emotionally equipped I am to give back to the world around me.
Beyond my personal relationships lies my community. This includes my neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and even the people I cross paths with briefly. I believe in being kind without a reason—saying hello to strangers, learning people’s names, and sharing genuine smiles. I also try to give back in structured ways, like volunteering as a ReadingPal mentor. Being there for a child once a week may seem small, but it’s one way I help build trust, consistency, and literacy in someone’s life. These interactions remind me that community doesn’t build itself—it’s made through small, repeated acts of care.
The outermost layer of my impact map is the world. This is where my values really guide me. I care deeply about fairness, kindness, and open-mindedness. I try to stay informed on global issues and think critically about the role I play in larger systems. As someone with an INFP personality type (sometimes called “the mediator”), I often find myself wanting peace and happiness for everyone. I know that’s not always possible, but I still believe it’s worth striving for. When I travel, I try to do it respectfully—to learn and listen rather than to consume. I think one of the most powerful things we can do in this world is simply to try to understand people whose experiences differ from our own.
Reflecting on these four spheres of impact—myself, my inner circle, my community, and the world—I’ve realized how much they influence one another. When I neglect myself, I’m less patient with others. When I’m disconnected from my loved ones, I feel less inspired to reach out to my community. But when I’m feeling strong and grounded in who I am, I have so much more to give. Every sphere is connected, and growth in one area ripples into the others.
This summer, I’m hoping to expand that ripple. Through my internship at the International Rescue Committee and my role as an early childhood teacher, I’m learning more about care, advocacy, and the importance of listening. I want to continue being intentional with my time—spending it on things that matter rather than just things that are convenient. I’m focusing on being more present, especially with the children I teach and the clients I serve. I also want to journal more regularly so I can reflect on what I’m learning and how I’m growing.
Most of all, I want to stay grounded in the belief that small things matter. Whether it’s a kind word, a shared laugh, or just showing up when I say I will, these actions build trust, community, and connection. Mapping my impact helped me realize that I don’t need to wait to make a difference—I already am, in my own way. And the more I care for myself and those closest to me, the stronger and more compassionate my impact on the world can be. – Natalia Arroyo
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