My Kiwanis Moment—Paying it forward

My Kiwanis moment came before I was ever a Kiwanian. As a child, I grew up in a household with divorced parents long before it was common. I lived in 12 different houses before I was 18. When I was 12, I lived by myself for several weeks. Childhood was a tough time. When I was 15, I joined Key Club. Through that experience I met a group of dedicated volunteers known as Kiwanians.

These men served as role models to me at a time when I desperately needed them. They taught me many things like doing right when others are doing wrong, serving others who have less, and the proper way to shake someone’s hand.

From that time, I pledged to be a role model for others and have tired to do so ever since. I have had two special times when Key Club members have come back to me to let me know how I affected them as a Kiwanis advisor. I am continuing to “pay it forward.”—Mark Taylor, Kiwanis Cub of Brooksville, Florida