Prepare + Prosper
By Lauren Heeralall
It all began as a trainee
I became a part of the volunteer staff tree
To learn the ins and outs of tax
I wasn’t confident but I told myself to relax
My first shift was fulfilling
My knowledge of taxes was instilling
I started as a tax preparer
I learned with trial and error
It felt great to give and not expect anything in return
Although, promotion to tax reviewing was an upturn
People of low-income were in need
This encouraged me to exceed
They rely on their tax refunds each year
This was my goal as a volunteer
Three changes in myself I have seen
My passion for taxes is keen
A greater gratitude for the life I’ve been given
My confidence has driven
I grew more as a professional
The experience was unquestionable
The information I worked with was private
We must not judge until we live it
To give back to the community
What a great opportunity
Although this was required
It was something that left me inspired
The impact on peoples’ lives was magnificent
I’m thankful to be a participant
Lauren, an accounting student at the University of St. Thomas, was a first year volunteer tax preparer and reviewer with Prepare + Prosper this tax season. She spent her time in our remote tax prep program for taxpayers who are elderly or home-bound. This poem was an assignment of her Business 200 class, through which she was required to do 40 hours of service. Her volunteer experience with Prepare + Prosper has inspired her to go into the tax side of accounting.
