Ligonier Valley High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Volunteerism has given me a path to create change in the lives of others while also giving me an outlet where I do not have to worry about anything happening in my daily life. My service at Southern Tier Alternative Therapies Ligonier Therapeutic Center has meant the most to me because I have had the opportunity to impact and improve the lives of others. Seeing the incredible strides individuals have made through equine therapy has been very meaningful to me. The memories I have made with clients are some that I will never forget, and have made a lasting impression on my life and my future educational and career goals. This opportunity has given me the ability to see past physical or mental disabilities, and see the potential within an individual. While volunteering at STAT, or anywhere else, I love what I am doing and the things that I was worried about — perhaps an upcoming test or project — fade away to the back of my mind because I am enjoying what I am doing for others.
Volunteering opportunities that allow me to have an impact on others have an even greater impact on me and my character. In the future, I believe volunteerism will affect me because it has made me more aware of the needs of others and the things going on in their lives, and has made me grateful for everything I have.