Greater Latrobe Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
In every life, certain events alter world perception irreversibly. These defining moments have the power to break people or forge them into stronger, kinder individuals. To my knowledge, few individuals impacted more lives than my friend’s mother. She was available for friends and family alike, and her elementary students overflowed with adoration. A marathon runner and strict nutritionist, her sudden stroke blindsided everyone. Within weeks, she faded from a starburst of happiness to an unrecognizable shell of a person. I wish I could buffer out the paralyzing helplessness that enveloped me in the following hours. With crystal clarity, I can still visualize the forlorn greeting I met at my friend’s home. Family members huddled mutely in corners like discarded clothing. Grief stripped my friend of sanity, and she swung between volatile outbursts and empty staring. By the funeral, hugs and condolences blurred, but one recurring thought pierced the haze; she influenced innumerable individuals. That moment, united in loss, my mind sparked. Her death held meaning; family and friends mourned together, exactly as she would have wanted.
Some malevolent moments are incomprehensible, immortalized in the darkest crevices of memory, burned unforgivably into the soul. Throughout the journey, I unwillingly discovered that the greatest legacies survive by one’s lasting impact on the community. Thus, I arrived at my own way to help; as President of National Honor Society, I have the power and resources to found a district charity. Tragedy is a commodity, but that does not make desolation any more bearable. With new appreciation for the members of my community, I want to assist in any possible way. Thus, this coming year, the first Kathy’s Graduation Book Drive will occur. My charity event will accept approximately 2,020 book donations money from current students and establish a yearly commitment. The proceeds will benefit community outreach and education organizations. Hopefully, unused novels will grow into elementary advancement devices for struggling youth in the Pittsburgh area.
Volunteerism has thus become an integral part of my nature; to me, every deed of good faith contributes to my legacy. In a world of sparse time, donated hours are the ultimate sacrifice, but reap the grandest results. An impression of my best friend’s mother guides my choices; each gift of energy is both an honor to her name and a commitment to better the world in my own. I can affect the lives of my peers, my family, and most pivotally, the recipients of my efforts. Thus, as volunteering is a part of who I am as an individual, it will certainly play a part in shaping my future. At a young age, I comprehend the sincere impact a truly charitable individual has on the surrounding community. Because I too want this result in my life, I have innate motivation to continually help less fortunate people. Therefore, with inflection and self-growth, I found a path that gives back and maintains a positive influence in my community to follow for the duration of my life.