Thomas Jefferson High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Volunteer work has always been a large part of my life. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a household where helping people was encouraged from my earliest memory. As I grew older and realized my good fortune, helping those in need became important to me personally, not just because my parents encouraged it. I began to understand that I could use the gifts I have had the privilege of living with to assist those without. Through volunteering, I have been able to touch the lives of others and hope I have made some positive impact on their lives, no matter how small. The first way I learned about giving back was by helping out in my local community. Living in Jefferson Hills my entire life, it is both fun and fulfilling to give back to the community in which I was raised. My faith has also influenced my volunteer efforts at my church’s carnival, fish fry, and various other events.
Upon entering high school, I was able to be an active member and voice for my high school’s volunteer club, Interact Club. Through this club, I have the ability to influence and expose my fellow peers to the wonders that volunteer work can do for you and for others. I have been able to try different activities that I would not have known about without Interact Club. Also, as I grew older and learned more about the communities around me, I wanted to expand my reach and volunteer for causes within the city of Pittsburgh. This search brought me and my family to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. We have all become involved in the Produce to People program and other programs run by the Food Bank. This experience has deepened my desire to help out and has solidified the fact that my volunteerism will only grow as my future takes off.
I have learned through this process that volunteering and spreading kindness throughout the community not only can help others, but it also helps one’s own self. I have learned to be more thankful for the opportunities I have in life and to appreciate all the small moments I have been blessed with. I encourage those around me to volunteer, not only because of the fun experiences and memories we could share together, but also because I have witnessed the positive influence volunteering can have. Going forward, I will definitely continue volunteering. One aspect of college that excites me most is the multitude of opportunities you can involve yourself with helping others. In fact, I am close to making my final choice between two colleges, and volunteering and serving others are both major themes of both of my schools. I look forward to what the future brings and how I can make a difference in the lives of others.