These are some messages that the kids have written about what OTG (Off The Grid) means to them.
How Has Off The Grid Changed My Life?
What does Off The Grid mean to Me? OTG is like my second home because it is a place where I can be who I am without feeling judged and where everyone is loving and compassionate. I did not give OTG much thought when I initially started visiting there; I just assumed it was where youngsters would hang out. I did not fully get the real significance of what this group was until I started attending more, and I soon realized that it wasn’t just kids hanging out, it was a group of us growing closer as a family and learning how to set an example in this society. I have gained a lot of opportunities because of this organization, which has also helped me gain confidence and pushed me above my comfort zone. Leading a games day, creating videos to promote things, creating posters for upcoming events, and occasionally thanking people who take time out of their day to teach us life lessons are some of the opportunities I have had in the past few months that I have been a part of this group. Although these may not seem like enormous tasks, they helped me to develop more responsibility and come out of my shell. This group teaches us that life isn’t just about receiving things; it’s also about giving back when you get the chance. One thing that I love about this group is that we can give back to the community when we can because not everyone has the resources and opportunities we do. Being a black kid living in a multicultural nation, I seriously doubt that I would have met people with whom I can connect on such a deeper level if it weren’t for OTG. I am glad to add that this group has introduced me to people who I can see myself keeping in touch in the future. Overall OTG has helped me to be my best self and I will always be appreciative of it.
Do you ever have a challenging week and itch for the weekend to arrive? The prospect of going to OTG during the weekends gives me something to look forward to, not just because I get to see my friends but also because I know I am going to learn something. We always have fun together, whether it’s playing laser tag, going to the cabin (which is generously being lent to us), eating out for dinner or breakfast, or simply hanging around at KDR. I am happy to see what this group is doing for us, especially for the younger children who will be the future leaders of our society. Because of the foundation laid for them early in life, I can already tell that they will contribute greatly to this world. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, the group’s founder, Abe, encouraged me to do so. One thing he does that has had a significant impact on my life is reminding me at random times that he is proud of me. Even if it is the slightest accomplishment, it always inspires me to keep going. He is the main cause of this organization and I will always be appreciative of him for starting it and sticking with it. I also want to express my gratitude to the sponsors who have given donations to this organization even though they truly didn’t have to because of what they observed. I am grateful that you help to put a huge smile on our faces.
To sum up, Off The Grid is a fantastic organization run by incredible individuals who genuinely care about making us become better people. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who contributes, even if it is in the background. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
What is Off The Grid to me?
Off The Grid is a group of people who engage in everything from simple gaming to charitable work. Tons of people give back to the community. Off The Grid does not only give back to those who have helped us; we also help those we many not know. We give gifts to people whether we know them or not because not everyone will be able to enjoy the luxury of having what others do. In other words, we like to have fun and help others at the same time. The group taught me the following three things such as better respect for adults and my friends, how to be emotionally available, and how to be kinder towards others, I’ll tell you about some things I’ve done to give you a more thorough understanding of how I acquired those skills and how I changed from a typical immature Jr. High student into more of a content person. I haven’t given much thought to the sacrifices my parents and other adults make for me since I was mentally capable of doing so. For example, when I was younger, I believed that they had a responsibility to buy me things, make me happy, and other things, but ever since I joined the group, I’ve gradually realized that they don’t have to do these things for me and that I should be grateful for what they do for me. Instead of allowing kids to become spoiled even as they get older, as I did, these abilities can be used in the future to teach other kids the value of gratitude. Before I joined Off The Grid, I was unable to take other people’s emotions seriously, I’d giggle at someone’s sadness or anger, or I’d cringe when someone would shop appreciation toward me or others. This shows that I was very immature. Recently I’ve learned that instead of laughing, maybe I could lend an ear and give solid advice for them to feel better and instead of cringing when someone says thank you to me, I can take their appreciation seriously. Being kind was never really my thing. Growing up in a toxic elementary school environment where saying slurs were normalized, being kind wasn’t something that stuck out to me until I joined Off The Grid. I met a bunch of people that somehow respected each other but at the same time could make jokes about each other without hurting anyone’s feelings.
These explanations are significant; they are all life lessons that can help you succeed in your life. By consistently using these abilities, you’ll become a positive role model and someone who others can look up to.
OTG to me is love and encouragement to be ones best self. OTG specifically Uncle Abe has been a huge factor of making every OTG kids childhood special by creating memories that will stick with us forever. They have taught us valuable lessons like hard work pays off and to do your homework. OTG to me is a home away from home, always excited to see everyone and find out what’s our next adventure.
Uncle Abe has been a huge role model in my life. He has taught me a lesson of giving back as much as your taking and to be kind with no thought of reward. He has treated me as his own son from the day he gave me my first af1’s always going above and beyond for me even if he didn’t have to. He has become someone who is a huge part of my life. His generosity has been a thing I have always admired about him, wishing to be similar to him giving true jeans and lending my shoes to my nephew when I’m older and show him just like how Uncle Abe has done with me.