Hampton High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
My volunteerism transcends the confines of the stereotypical “doing things while asking nothing in return.” In Child Life Unit 7B of Children’s Hospital, I have the extraordinary opportunity to form friendships and experience carefree laughter with patients who are otherwise stifled by a hospital setting. Whether we race through the halls in a Little Tikes car, make our own restaurant in the toy kitchens, or pretend we are Van Gogh painting watercolors while overlooking Lawrenceville, the smiles and giggles on the children’s faces when they feel like any other eight-year old child enjoying summer is exhilarating. In this aspect, I can give a patient something priceless: the semblance of a normal childhood. There was one girl in particular whom I connected with as she was a “frequent flyer” of Children’s Hospital. She is twelve, but mature beyond her years as one is when forced to grow up quickly, given her family is from Egypt and unable to visit her often. We developed a special bond as we discussed everything from our favorite restaurants to what we hope to be when we grow up. I held her hand during bedside procedures, and she told me all about her favorite nurses and hospital gossip.
Performing community services has given me the wisdom to know that I am not helpless, and I can make a difference in someone’s life while simultaneously reaping the benefits of the profound way they impact my own. As I reflect on my volunteer experiences, I am left with excitement for the future. In times of struggle or sorrow, volunteerism is the clichéd “light in the tunnel” that keeps me grounded to reality. Whether performing a simple kindness for a single individual or committing myself to a larger cause, I am working for the sake of humanity.
When my grandfather suffered a cardiothoracic episode so severe it was deemed the “widowmaker” by nurses and surgeons alike, I knew there was nothing I could do to heal him. When my cousin was born with Down Syndrome and unable to speak due to trauma during open heart surgery, I knew no action of mine would change his diagnosis. When horrific shootings and acts of violence occur across the United States, there is nothing I can immediately do to make the pain stop. However, in each of these situations, there is something I can do. I can volunteer at Children’s Hospital, helping patients and their families cope with illness. I can be president of Best Buddies and join my school’s Special Olympics Unified Bocce team to promote inclusion for my friends with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I can volunteer as a Catechist at my parish, instilling messages of hope and love into young children’s minds. Volunteering gives me power when I feel weak and helpless. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to facilitate positive change. It provides me not only with a sense of control, but more importantly, challenges me to step outside of my own needs and deepen my connection with others.