Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Throughout my entire life, volunteering has always been something I’ve done, whether it be girl scouts when I was in elementary school or to being a senior in high school. It is a part of me and something that I value greatly. Not until freshman year did I realize the true definition and understanding of what service is and why I do it. This was because of the memories and work that I experienced which has opened my eyes to a greater meaning. Personally, I believe volunteerism is using your talents and values that God has given you and putting them in use in a positive and humble way. Seeing the reaction of gratefulness and the emotion that fills the person you help out gives you a joy that is indescribable. Volunteering is something that defines my character and who I am as an individual.
Volunteerism has changed my life for the better. The summer going into junior year, I volunteered at the Mooncrest Summer Camp. I volunteered at this camp for the past 2 years and enjoyed it every time. The Mooncrest Neighborhood Program is a program that provides a safe, loving, and educational place for children who have a difficult home life. At the summer camp, I planned different activities and games for the kids to do. At first it was hard for the kids to grow comfortable around us and talk with us. But I quickly grew a bond with the children, and they began to tell me how much they loved being there. They felt safe around us. Some of the kids even cried when the week was over because they didn’t want to leave. Faith was even incorporated into the camp which guided and strengthened myself to be able to perform this task of service work. This experience really opened up my outlook on what service meant to me because I still keep in touch with one of the girls. Knowing that I helped change their lives or even helped them take their mind off of their home life makes me very emotional. I will never forget those kids, and I pray that their future is as bright as they dream it will be.
In the years going forward, I see myself helping others every day considering my major is Nursing. I chose to do this because I want to be there for others and make a positive impact on their life. Having the experience and value in volunteerism will be useful for building my character as a nurse. Being there for others and putting them before yourself in certain situations shows a lot about how genuine and loving someone is. It’s going to be challenging at times, but I want to remember the main purpose of what I am doing, which is helping others. My overall goal is to incorporate my gifts, talents, and experiences in my daily life and future.