North Allegheny Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
So often in our busy lives, we forget about those who shaped and led us to where we are today. I now realize that many of the opportunities which have molded my character are not from random chance, but from the impact of citizens in my local community. For example, my music minister invited me to perform for the congregation; my local librarian encouraged me to assemble craft supplies for activities; and my band teacher asked me to mentor aspiring tuba musicians. In each of these circumstances, a respectable member of my community gave his or her time and talents towards the common good, for which I am immeasurably thankful, and I am compelled to volunteer my talents in a similar fashion. In the spirit of reciprocating appreciation, I now strive to create opportunities and experiences for others because of what others have done for me.
Last July, I reciprocated appreciation by volunteering in a summer school program for special needs students. A family member informed me about the program and cited my empathetic response to younger children and how my brother is on the autism spectrum. I became the Camp Store Manager and helped campers exchange tickets earned from kind deeds for prizes. This system facilitated social interactions between students and adults while encouraging long-term planning. Even though volunteering was primarily to support my community, I realized that, in a way, I became one of the adults who helped my younger brother mature and learn social skills. My family has improved from the dozens of people who have helped my brother; serving as the Camp Store Manager enabled me to show thanks for these services and to improve the lives of special needs children.
Volunteering as the School Board Representative for two years has allowed me to give back to the School District. In appreciation of the knowledge, skills, and fellowship North Allegheny has provided me, I use my student perspective to provide input to the School Board. When the School Board explored school start time changes, I collected research from health organizations on later start times, teenage sleep schedules, and the impact of later start times on students. Just as the School District has provided me with countless opportunities to further my education and life experiences, I now reciprocate my thankfulness and volunteer for the benefit of students.
In the future, I will continue volunteering for those in need. Whether I am performing for my local church in college, enacting change as a member of Student Government, or improving the lives of others as a mechanical engineer, my trajectory of dutiful volunteerism will pervade through my future. Because of the overabundance of exemplary citizens in my community who are willing to serve the common good, I have become empathetic and committed to improving the lives of others. In the same way that others have inspired me through their selfless volunteering, I hope to be a mentor and role model to others through my service, character, and dedication.