Last year I decided to do some volunteer work. I began to1on the Internet and discovered Volunteer USA. Three months later I2myself on a plane to Phoenix, Arizona. I was3at the thought of living with loads of new people for three months. However, within fifteen minutes of4, my worries had gone. Everyone was so5and like-minded that it was very6to feel at home.

I was sent to the Coronado National Forest for my first 8-day7. We had to8everything we needed and walk three miles to where we worked. It may not seem like a9way but in 35℃ heat and with a heavy pack, my legs were on fire.

My job was to10a stairway out of rock. This11climbing up and down the side of a mountain inhabited (栖息) by mountain lions, although I should say they were only heard,never12.

Three days later, a beautiful stairway came into being. The13of knowing that my14will be on that mountainside for years to come is massive.

But on the last night we were15in a thunderstorm. I woke up at midnight to find a swimming pool in my tent. The temperature was close to16. I had to spend the rest of the night trembling in the only17part of my tent.

18, I suffered a lot. But I know whatever I have to face in my life I was there and I19. I think I am much20for having taken part in the project.