Riverview Junior/Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
When I was younger, I did not really understand volunteering. When I had to volunteer for my church or school, I was resistant. Being naive as I was, I would ask my mom and dad, “why should I do this?” Their response was always that it is the right thing to do. While I understand that now and appreciate their encouragement in my community service, this meant nothing to ten-year-old me. It wasn’t until freshman year that I began to enjoy volunteering. Through Key Club, I helped at things like the junior high dance and Blessing Board. I then branched out independently to find other opportunities such as the Fish Fry at the Oakmont Elks and the Veterans Day celebration at the Oakmont Historical Society. These are both events that have become tradition to me because of the people I met and the experiences that were made while volunteering. At the Veterans Day celebration this past year, one change that I noticed was there were many more veterans in attendance than before. This was almost fully due to the veterans of the Vietnam War showing for the first time. When people spoke at the end of the congregation on the impact war has had on them and their families, one Vietnam vet spoke up explaining the newfound courage that Vietnam vets had in recent years. The year 2018 was the first year Vietnam veterans participated in the Oakmont Parade, and this year was the first time they really celebrated themselves on Veterans Day. Since they believed the Vietnam war was not technically won, they felt undeserving of similar praise. Yet, the overwhelming support from everyone at the event allowed Vietnam veterans to feel proud of their service. It was a learning experience that left me different than when I walked into the door. I also went on mission trips in the summers of 2017 and 2018 to West Virginia, where we worked over 35 hours in a week. While I was able to help people, it was more an experience that changed me for the better. Volunteer activities can cover various aspects of life, and that is what is so great about service. There are endless opportunities because there will always be less fortunate people that need assistance. By volunteering the hours I did, it taught me to care for others. It taught me to understand the perspective and the pain of others. It helped me realize that helping others is helping yourself- it brings a joy that is unmatched by anything else. It provides a learning and maturing opportunity like no other. We were all raised by a community, whether it be the block you grew up on, the town you call home, or the whole world. It’s the least we can do to return the favor through service. To give back to my community, I will continue to volunteer no matter where I am in life- because volunteerism molds us into the people we aspire to be.